Johnny Bench was the greatest catcher of the 1970's and possibly of all-time. When you look back, Bench was the best hitting, best fielding, best running, best throwing and hit with the most power for his position for the entire decade. How many players can you think of that dominated any position like that? Bench gets my vote for the MVP of the 1970's. I would love to hear your comments.As far as the Johnny Bench Rookie Card from 1968 goes, it leaves much to be desired, but was typical of cards from that era. Not that I have anything against Ron Tompkins, but it is hard for collectors to get excited about this card.
I think that Johnny Bench baseball cards are one of the best bargains - when you consider how great of a player that he was. Bench is not as popular of a person as many stars and seems to be overshadowed by the personalities of Pete Rose, Tony Perez and Joe Morgan.
The 1969 Topps, 1970 Topps and 1975 Topps cards of Johnny Bench are nice posed catcher position shots. The 1969 Topps Bench Card photo was taken in spring training one year before he made the team and shows him wearing #55. Also be sure to check out the action shots in the 1972 through 1974 years at Dean's Cards. Bench may have the best Topps Baseball Cards of anyone of the decade. His cards in the 1980’s were fairly boring portraits.
To see Dean’s Cards inventory of Johnny Bench Baseball Cards and Magazines, please click here.
I feel Johnny Bench was by far one of the best catchers in his era but Carlton Fisk has to rank right up there too. I was a big fan of the Big Red Machine and just a big fan of baseball period. I have been collecting baseball cards for over 30 years and have a pretty nice collection myself (including Johnny Bench rookie). I only have just a few 50's cards but if you are looking for anyone player from the mid-60's on just let me know. I'm always willing to sell. Kevin
ReplyDeleteYes, Fisk was also a great catcher. No doubt about it.
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