Offered here is a restored Johnny Bench game-used and signed catcher's mitt from the 1970's when he was the key cog for the "Big Red Machine." A 14-time All-Star twice named National League Most Valuable Player Bench helped lead the Cincinnati Reds to six division titles four pennants and two World Series championships during his Hall of Fame career. Game-used fielder's gloves and catcher's mitts are the most difficult pieces to obtain from ballplayers most of whom savor and protect a broken-in glove like a child. This mitt was likely been one of those for Bench although at some point the punishment taken from 90+ miles per hour fastballs put it to rest and necessitated a repair job for future presentation.

The outer face shows significant game use on the darkened brown leather exterior. His No. "5" is marked in black Sharpie where what appears to be the remnants of a missing red Rawlings tag used to be. "BENCH" is marked in black Sharpie and again ("Bench") in more faint black ballpoint pen nearby. "Nu Grip Streamlined" is stamped on the outer thumb with "100% Nylon Seam" on the outer ring/pinkie fingers. The interior web/pocket is not nearly as broken in looking more like a game-issued professional model with a lighter brown tone to the leather. Bench has autographed the pocket with his common inscription "Catch Ya Later" in 7/10 black marker. It is our opinion that the face and web sections originated from different mitts and were sewn together. The newer-looking dark brown strap at the top appears to be a repair piece used in the restoration process to secure the two sections. Nonetheless at least half of this rare piece of representing the art of Johnny Bench's craft is game-used by the legendary backstop. A note signed by Bench confirms its authenticity.

COA from Bench. Autograph and inscription pre-certified by PSA/DNA.