Johnny Lee Bench (born December 7, 1947) is an American former professional baseball catcher….who played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds from 1967 to 1983….and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Johnny Bench was a 14-time All-Star selection….and a two-time National League Most Valuable Player. He was a key member of the Big Red Machine that won six division titles…. four National League pennants….and two consecutive World Series championships. ESPN has called him the greatest catcher in baseball history.
When you talk about the truly great catchers of all time….Johnny Bench is in EVERY conversation…..but for this lil ole chiweenie Sportsphile’s taste…..my G.O.A.T. at the backstop is Yanks Yogi Berra….whose career stats of .285 BA…. 2150 Hits….358 HR….1430 RBI….and 13 World Series Championships verses Reds Johnny Bench career stats of .267 BA….2048 hits….389 HR…1376 RBI….and 2 World Series wins….it just does measure up to Yogi’s.
