Winter Auction 2018 Ending February 17
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/18/2018
Johnny Bench, the two-time National League MVP was wrapping up his Hall of Fame career when he was swinging this Louisville Slugger in 1982. The Reds hero had single-handedly changed the way the position of catcher was played, and his leadership, coupled with his timely hitting, led the Reds to back-to-back World Championships in 1975 and 1976.
This S216 model bat displays outstanding use and is un-cracked. There are several ball marks, stitch impressions and cleat imprints that can be seen on the barrel. The handle has a moderate coating of pine tar and Bench’s number “5” is handwritten in black marker on the knob. The Hall of Famer has signed the dark Walker finish barrel in contrasting silver pen, making this a very attractive Bench gamer. This bat comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (1B10140) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10. There is also a COA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (C99700) for the signature.