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Johnny Bench, born December 7, 1947, in Oklahoma City and raised in the small town of Binger, Oklahoma, dreamed from childhood of becoming a major league baseball player—and made it happen through determination, skill, and faith in his father’s guidance. His father, Theodore William Bench, believed catching was the fastest route to the big leagues, and Johnny took that advice to heart. After being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1965, he began a career that would redefine the role of a catcher and place him among the greatest players in baseball history.

Bench’s career is filled with firsts and records: Rookie of the Year in 1968, two-time National League MVP, 14-time All-Star, 10 Gold Gloves, and a key player on the Big Red Machine that dominated baseball in the 1970s. His leadership behind the plate helped drive the Reds to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, with Bench earning World Series MVP honors in the latter. Off the field, his intelligence and integrity made him one of the sport’s most respected ambassadors. Bench’s innovations—including being the first catcher to use a protective helmet behind the plate and his popularization of one-handed catching—changed the game forever.

In this interview, Bench reflects on his Oklahoma upbringing, his admiration for Mickey Mantle, and the lessons of humility and hard work instilled by his parents. He recalls the 1965 bus crash that claimed two of his teammates, the early days of his career, and his experiences playing alongside legends like Pete Rose and under manager Sparky Anderson. He shares his pride in representing Oklahoma in the national spotlight, his philosophy of “catch every ball,” and his desire to be remembered simply as an honest, hardworking player who gave his all every day.

Johnny Bench’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and greatness—a journey from small-town Oklahoma to the Hall of Fame that continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

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