1966-67 Johnny Bench Cincinnati Reds Rookie Debut Game-Used Vest

Johnny Bench’s Cincinnati Reds Jersey: A Legendary Piece of Baseball History

The Legacy of Johnny Bench

Johnny Bench, a two-time MVP and widely regarded as the best catcher in major league history, left an indelible mark on the sport. His prowess on the field was unmatched, leading the league in home runs twice and RBIs three times. Bench’s Cincinnati Reds dominated the National League in the 1970s, securing four pennants and back-to-back world championships in 1975 and 1976. His illustrious career began with a bang, winning the Rookie of The Year award and the first of his ten Gold Gloves in his debut full season in 1968.

A Jersey with a Storied Past

This remarkable jersey, linked to the legendary Johnny Bench, is a testament to his early days with the Cincinnati Reds. Inside the rear collar, the MacGregor manufacturer’s tag size “44” is prominently displayed. An additional MacGregor tag reading “SET 1 1964” and a tag with washing instructions are found inside the right button path. The left chest proudly bears the “REDS” team logo crest, embroidered in red and white on navy blue tackle twill. The player number “53” is emblazoned on the right chest and across the back in red on navy blue tackle twill.

• Historical Significance: This jersey was reissued to Bench in 1966 and 1967 during Spring Training.
• Iconic Player: Represents Johnny Bench, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest catchers in baseball history.
• Unique Provenance: Accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming multiple matches and an SGC Grob LOA grading the jersey “Excellent.”
• Condition and Story: The jersey is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows outstanding use.

Ryne Duren’s Connection

Originally, this jersey belonged to Ryne Duren, who was acquired by the Reds from the Phillies on May 13th, 1964. During his brief stint with the Reds, Duren is said to have worn #33. However, historical records, including Mark Stang and Linda Harkness’s “Baseball By The Number” book and period scorecards, confirm that Duren also wore #53 with the Reds. The player name “DUREN” has been removed from the back, with an outline remaining visible.

A Rare Opportunity

This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a fragment of baseball history. It offers a rare opportunity to own the first Reds jersey from what many consider to be the greatest catcher of all time, Johnny Bench. This extraordinary artifact is accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming the multiple matches and an SGC Grob LOA grading the jersey “Excellent.”

For those passionate about baseball memorabilia, this jersey is a must-have. It stands as a testament to Johnny Bench’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. If you have your own piece of history, consider reaching out to the appraise baseball jerseys experts at Grey Flannel Auctions. Additionally, explore our consign baseball jerseys service to share your treasures with the world.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.