SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Spring Premier Auction 2016

Wed, Apr 6, 2016 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 24, 2016 11:00AM EDT
Lot 546

CIRCA 1970'S JOHNNY BENCH SIGNED & INSCRIBED RAWLINGS GAME USED CATCHER'S MITT - RESTORED POST CAREER (BENCH COA)

Sold for
$4,147.20
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
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.

Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.