This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2021.
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. Inside the rear collar is the MacGregor manufacturer’s tag size “44”. Inside the right button path is an additional MacGregor tag reading “SET 1 1964” and a tag with washing instructions. On the left chest is the “REDS” team logo crest embroidered in red and white on navy blue tackle twill. The player number “53” appears on the right chest and across the back in red on navy blue tackle twill. The black piping on both arm openings remains intact and original and all seven buttons remain firmly affixed. The player name “DUREN” has been removed from the back with an outline remaining and visible. Ryne Duren was obtained by the Reds from the Phillies on May 13th, 1964. During his limited time with the Reds Duren is said to have worn #33. However, the crest and player number remain completely original. Mark Stang and Linda Harkness’s “Baseball By The Number” book attributed Duren having worn both #53 and #33. Period scorecards from this time frame also confirm that Duren did in fact wear #53 with the Reds. This jersey was reissued to Bench in 1966 and 1967 during Spring Training and there are conclusive photo-matches to multiple images of Bench wearing this jersey including his Topps card. A small repair is present on the back. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows outstanding use. This is an opportunity to own the first Reds jersey from what many consider to be the greatest catcher of all-time. Accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming the multiple matches and an SGC Grob LOA grading the jersey “Excellent”.