This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, Johnny Bench clearly ranks among the greatest catchers ever, even before he was voted to the All Century Team in 1999. The 1970 National League MVP, Bench also won 10 straight Gold Glove Awards and was named to 14 All-Star squads. This Hillerich & Bradsby model B278 cupped end, circa 1973-1975, is uncracked and shows evidence of light game use. The bat measures 35.25" in length, weighs 30.6 ounces and has Bench’s #5 on the knob and top of the barrel in black marker. Two mounting holes are visible on the knob which do not detract from the appearance of the bat.