1975 Johnny Bench Game-Worn, Signed Catcher’s Mitt, One of Only Four Possibly Known To Exist

There are few players in sports that can be associated with their position almost every time it is mentioned. The word “quarterback” brings to mind all the greats, Unitas, Favre, Montana… When people hear the word “centerfielder”, it is common to relate Mays, Mantle or DiMaggio to the position. When fans and commoners alike think of a “catcher”, almost every time, Johnny Bench is their guy. Bench is the standard that every aspiring man behind the plate is held and rightfully so. Johnny was the commander of “The Big Red Machine”, the Cincinnati Reds teams of the 1970’s which appeared in four World Series and was also a player who possessed rare defensive superiorities as well as with the bat. Offered here is a 1975 “Rawlings” conventional wing-tip catcher’s mitt worn by the uncanny Hall of Fame catcher. One of probably three or four in existence, this Professional Model glove, which is of Pro-Stock origin, has been made of Heart of the Hide leather and shows remarkable use. Other than the unquestionable specifics of this impossible artifact, the glove features “Bench” written on the pinky in black felt-tip, in addition to a “5” on the exterior webbing (has been ripped, as suitable for almost all Bench mitts) and “Bench” written again on the thumb (appears to have been markered over, however, this was very common and does not hurt the eye-appeal whatsoever). The name “Fatty” and “35” has also been markered on this specimen, which insinuates that Johnny must have passed this mitt down to one of his teammates or a player who was coming up in the minor leagues. A vintage “7” blue ballpoint signature was penned by Bench on the interior thumb and dated “8/15/75.” As confirmed by the hobby’s utmost glove expert, Denny Esken, this glove was definitely used by Johnny Bench and simply put, is an important piece of baseball history.

PSA-DNA Auction House Letter

1975,Baseball,Cincinnati Reds,Glove,Mitt,Signed,World Series  Denny Esken,Johnny Bench

Auction End: 26-Aug-05  Post Views: 5226

Price; $0.00 – $0.00