This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
A two-time MVP and perhaps the best backstop 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. These eight straight wins in the 1976 post-season sparked discussion as to where they stand with the other great teams of all-time (1927 NY Yankees, 1929 Philadelphia A's). This Cincinnati Reds home knit jersey was worn by the HOF catcher during the 1977 season. On the inside right tail of the jersey is the "Rawlings" label with the size "44" and the flag tag reads "Set 1 1977". On the left breast of the jersey is the "Reds" emblem and on the right breast is the player number "5". On the back is the player name "Bench" and the number "5". All the letters and numbers are made of red tackle twill. The jersey shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind.