While many remember Johnny Bench as the Cincinnati Reds’ best catcher ever, he has made other contributions to the world of sports, both on and off the field. While many do not know that Bench played basketball and baseball in high school, his father suggested baseball would be a better sport for him, especially the role of catcher. After retiring from baseball, Bench still is active in sports today, though baseball was his main profession. Bench is an avid golfer and is the only baseball player to also be a professional bowler.
In addition, he is somewhat of a wonder, as he can hold seven baseballs in one hand at the same time. While that may seem interesting in itself, here is something even better: Bench has sung with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Other talents in the arts include acting and creative writing. Bench authored an autobiography entitled, “Catch You Later”, and he has been the spokesman for Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Street Bank and S&K; Menswear. In the 1980’s he also was on the television show, “The Baseball Bunch”. Bench still went on to perform in front of the camera and radio some more to work as a sports commentator and radio broadcaster, despite his already having a full schedule, which includes philanthropic duties. The Johnny Bench Scholarship Fund allows students in need to attend Cincinnati area colleges, and Bench also provides appearances at motivational speaking engagements.
As a baseball player, Johnny Bench played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1967-1983. After his time with the Reds was up, he was inducted into the Reds’ Hall of Fame in 1986. Three years later, Bench was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, where he was on ninety-six percent of the ballots; which made him the third highest player to be nominated. His jersey, #5, has been permanently retired by the Reds, and his style of catching and using a special glove paved the way for future catchers. Today, the Johnny Bench Award is presented to college level athletes who are catchers and are the best at their position.
Other awards and distinctions Bench has won are as follows:
389 career homeruns (47th overall)
1376 runs batted in (68th overall)
Made cover of Time Magazine as “Baseball’s Best Catcher”
1968 National League Rookie of the Year
10 Gold Glove Awards
National League MVP – 1970, 1972
Member of the All Star Team 14 times
Lou Gehrig Award – 1975
World Series MVP – 1976
Babe Ruth Award – 1976
Hutch Award – 1981
All Century Team – 1999
With all of these accomplishments, it’s no wonder why Bench has been referred to as “the best catcher ever” and was the top catcher vote-wise nominated for MasterCard’s All Century Team.
