Johnny Bench

Johnny Lee Bench

Nickname: Big Red Machine"

Born: 1947

Grew up in Oklahoma City

Quote: "Hitting success is "inner conceit." It's knowing within yourself you can meet any situation."

Hitting skills/achievements

Led the NL in homers twice and in RBI three times.

Defensive Achievements

Popularized one handed catching method. This method provided; greater mobility, and also let him utilize his "cannon-like" arm

1968-led NL in putouts and assists

Career

His 327 Homers was a record when he retired

After 1983 season he retired

20+ Homeruns in 11 seasons

Drove in 100+ runs 6 times

Won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1968-1977

Drove in more runs than any other player in the 70's: 1,013 total

Also played a few games at 1st and 3rd base, to extend his career.

Played in a total of 14 All-Star Games
Other

Drafted out of 2nd round by Cincinnati in 1965.

NL Rookie of the Year: 2.75 average, 15 homeruns, 82 RBI's

1970 & 1972 won MVP award, led his team to playoffs both years

1970, (at 22) youngest man to ever win the award

1970-led league in Homers (45,) and RBI's (48.)

1972- had a .270 batting average, 40 homeruns, 125 RBI's

Won WS Rings in 1975 & 1976

Won 210 games during those two seasons.

1976 WS- hit .533: Won series MVP award

The first player from the draft to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (In 1989)