Johnny Bench was raised in Oklahoma. An outstanding baseball player, he survived a bus accident in high school that killed one of his teammates. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and in 1967 was named National League "Rookie of the Year." A two-time National League MVP, he is considered by many to be the best "all around" catcher in baseball history. Later in his career Johnny was troubled by bad knees and became the Reds' third baseman in 1982. He retired from baseball following the 1983 season. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility (1988). An avid golfer, Johnny spends a lot of his free time on the golf course. He has competed in some events on the Senior PGA Tour.

Won the National League MVP Award in 1970 and 1972 and the World Series MVP Award in 1976.Won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1968.Was a broadcaster for the Reds from 1987 to 1990.Is of Cherokee Indian descent.Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1989 with the fourth highest voting percentage ever.Has large hands; can hold seven baseballs in them.Beat out Jerry Koosman of the New York Mets for Rookie of the Year honors in 1968 by one vote.Learned to throw hard as far as 250 feet with great accuracy.Also played first base and in the outfield, in addition to catching and playing third base.Spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds.Cincinnati Reds Career Home Run Leader (389).Cincinnati Reds Career RBI Leader (1,376).1970 and 1972 National League MVP.1968 National League Rookie of the Year for hitting 40 Doubles, 82 RBI and 57 Extra-Base Hits.Catcher/Third Baseman/First Baseman/Outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983).Member of 1970 and 1972 National League Champion Cincinnati Reds teams. Member of 1973, 1979 and 1981 National League Western Division Champion Cincinnati Reds team. Member of 1975 and 1976 World Series Champion Cincinnati Reds teams.Made major league debut on 28 August 1967.