This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/12/2023.
A two-time MVP and known as the best catcher in major league history, Johnny Bench led the league in HRs twice and RBIs three times. His Cincinnati Reds dominated the NL in the 1970s winning four pennants and back-to-back world championships in 1975-76. Bench won the Rookie of The Year award and first of 10 Gold Gloves in his first full season in 1968. Hillerich & Bradsby manufactured B278 model bat that measures 35.25 inches and weighs 33.2 ounces. The ash wood bat with a flame burned finish shows outstanding use with a crack on the back barrel that has been repaired. Many ball marks and stitch impressions are visible on the barrel. Also visible on the bat are red bat rack streaks and the handle is caked with pine tar. The model number is stamped on the knob and Bench’s number “5” is written on the knob in black marker. Bench signed the barrel of the bat in blue marker with the added inscription that reads “70 & 72 NL MVP” and in our opinion rates a near 9. Accompanied by a PSA/DNA LOA grading the bat a GU 9.5 and an ALOA from JSA.