It’s hard to pick just one name that would be synonymous with Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine of the 1970’s, but you could make a case that catcher Johnny Bench was the face of the franchise during his 17-year career with the team. Bench burst on the scene capturing the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1968 and was the league’s MVP in 1970 and 1972. He knocked a respective league- leading 45 and 40 home runs while also leading the league with 148 and 125 RBI. Amassing 13 perennial All-Star appearances from 1968-1980 and a farewell nod for good measure in his final season of 1983.

     Bench wore this size-44 Reds road pullover jersey during the 1974 and 1975 seasons and signed the front in bold blue felt tip marker with the inscription “The Big Red Machine”. This gray road pullover jersey has “CINCINNATI” arched across the chest in sewn on red tackle twill and Bench’s number “5” in red tackle twill on the center right. The back of the jersey has a larger number “5” and “BENCH” sewn on in the same red tackle twill. Sleeve ends are ringed in red and white elastic with red and white trim ringing the v-neck collar. Rawlings size-44 manufacturers tag is adhered to the inside left back tail. This jersey shows excellent game use with stains and discoloration on the white sleeve bands. This item has been authenticated by Dave Miedema.

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