Welcome to The Official Website of Johnny Bench
Home plate News
75th Birthday Bash
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
Join Johnny in Oklahoma City this December for his 75th birthday bash.
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
Thank you to all our golfers and sponsors for a great event.
2022 Johnny Bench Awards
Johnny Bench Golf Classic 2022
2022 Johnny Bench Awards
Congratulations to the 2022 college and high school winners of catchers.
Exclusive
New Youtube Channel
2022 Johnny Bench Awards
Starting 2021, Johnny has partnered with Fanatics for all autographs.
New Youtube Channel
New Youtube Channel
New Youtube Channel
View archived footage from his career both on and off the field.
About #5
Johnny was told by his father at a young age that catching was the surest way to the major leagues. From a rural town in Oklahoma, this valedictorian of Binger High School and All State Basketball player would go on to be considered “Baseball’s Greatest Catcher”, leading the Cincinnati Reds to back-to-back World Series Championships.
As a member of the Big Red Machine through the 1970’s, Bench revolutionized the catching position in many ways and set the standard for future generations of backstops by earning 10 consecutive Gold Gloves. A strong arm and durable build made him a formidable defender behind the plate, but his at bats made him that much more dangerous as he would collect 389 home runs and 1,376 RBIs, which both stand as franchise records in Cincinnati.
Bench retired in 1983, leaving behind one of the most prolific careers ever established by a catcher, setting a course for Cooperstown where he would be inducted on his first ballot to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Success did not end on the field, as he would establish numerous business ventures, charitable initiatives and entertainment appearances, all of which he continues to pursue today. He now resides in Southern Florida with his two sons Justin and Josh, but always takes time to support organizations such as Hope for the Warriors, Police Benevolent Association, Bobby Nichols Foundation and more.
In the heart of Grapefruit League Spring Training, he remains involved in the game visiting many organizations and mentoring the next catchers of our national pastime. Each year he makes an effort to attend both the Reds and National Hall of Fame inductions, serving as a continued ambassador of the game.
Johnny Bench holding his statue located at Great American Ballpark
