Johnny Lee Bench (b.1947) is an American former professional baseball player renowned for his legendary career as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB.) He played 17 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds and is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in the sport’s history.
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bench grew up with a passion for baseball and showed exceptional talent from a young age. He attended Binger High School, where his athletic skills caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1965 MLB draft. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his début with the Reds in 1967 at the age of 19.
Bench’s career was marked by numerous accolades and records. A key member of the iconic “Big Red Machine” team, he led the Reds to two World Series championships in 1975 and 1976. Over his illustrious career, he earned 14 Gold Glove Awards and 10 Silver Slugger Awards, showcasing his exceptional defensive and offensive abilities. He was a two-time National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1970 and 1972, and he retired with a .267 batting average, 389 home runs, and 1,376 runs batted in (RBIs.)
In addition to his on-field success, Bench has authored several works, including Catch Every Ball (1974,) which provides insights into his career and techniques as a catcher.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Johnny Bench
Slumps are like a soft bed. They’re easy to get into and hard to get out of.
—Johnny Bench
Topics: Performance, Effort
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