Johnny Bench

Catcher

Class of 1989

Johnny Bench

Catcher

Class of 1989
Johnny Bench was the leader of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine of the 1970s.

Games

Birth year

About Johnny Bench

“The way I see it, the first thing you want in a catcher is the ability to handle the pitchers. Then you want defensive skill, and, of course, the good arm. Last of all, if he can hit with power, well, then you’ve got a Johnny Bench.” – Frank Cashen.

Johnny Bench, raised in the tiny town of Binger, Okla., was taught catching at an early age by his father. Making his major league debut in 1967 at the age of 19, he would go on to play his entire 17-year big league career (1967-83) with the Reds, rewriting the standards for catchers.

As the leader of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine of the 1970s, in which he helped the franchise to four National League pennants and two World Series titles, the rugged and durable Bench was a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner as the result of his skilled handling of pitchers, unparalleled defensive skills and a lightning quick throwing arm that would intimidate would-be base runners. He led the NL in caught stealing percentage three times and putouts twice.

Bench also provided a potent bat, hitting 389 home runs and leading the league in RBI three times and homers twice. Highly honored during his career, Bench won the 1968 NL Rookie of the Year, was a two-time NL MVP (1970 and 1972) and 14-time All-Star. He won the 1976 World Series MVP Award as the Reds completed their back-to-back run of titles.

“I don’t want to embarrass any other catchers by comparing him with Johnny Bench,” said Reds manager Sparky Anderson.

Bench was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989.

The Basics

Year inducted
1989
Birth Place
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Birth Year
1947

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
Cincinnati Reds
Primary Position
Catcher
Played For
Cincinnati Reds, 1967-1983

Career MLB Stats

Games
2,158
At bats
7,658
Hits
2,048
Walks
891
Runs
1,091
Doubles
381
Triples
24
Home Runs
389
RBI
1,376
Stolen Bases
68
Batting Average
.267
Ops
.817
On Base %
.342
Slugging %
.476

Johnny Bench Stories

Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees.

Bench wins second NL MVP

Bench, Yastrzemski elected as part of historic Class of 1989

Bench sets Reds mark with 325th home run

Bench’s homer helps push Reds into 1972 World Series

Bench’s excellence wraps up Reds’ second straight title