1976 Johnny Bench Game Used Bicentennial Bat, PSA/DNA GU 10....

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Description

1976 Johnny Bench Game Used Bicentennial Bat, PSA/DNA GU 10. Number sixteen on The Sporting News' list of Baseball's Greatest Players, Bench further distinguished himself as the top vote-getter at the catcher's position, topping even the great Josh Gibson for the honor. Presented is one of the most appealing Louisville Sluggers ever issued to the Hall of Fame backstop during the second consecutive World Championship season for the Big Red Machine. Collectors swoon over the special bicentennial logo on all bats from the 1976 season, but this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby B278 provides much more to love. The uncracked lumber exhibits "heavy use," according to experts Taube and Malta, with a multitude of ball, stitch and cleat marks joined by red and blue bat rack streaks. Original tape on the pine-tarred handle remains, as does Bench's number "5" in black marker on the knob end. Length: 35.25". Weight 32 ounces. An ideal specimen in every regard, well deserving of its perfect rating by PSA/DNA. LOA from PSA/DNA, Graded GU10.

Best in Class

Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:

For collectors of Johnny Bench game-used bats, certain characteristics are considered highly desirable from a technical and eye-appeal standpoint. In addition to locating Bench's uniform number (5) in a documented style on the knob and sometimes the barrel end, well-used gamers often exhibit a heavy layer of pine tar that coats the handle. This pattern usually starts at the base of the handle and extends to the upper handle area, sometimes approaching the center brand area of the bat. This bat offers an extreme dose of Bench player characteristics, including tremendous use on the left barrel, giving it a look that draws the eye.

In 1976, H&B (now Louisville Slugger) implemented a one-year style by branding the Liberty Bell on the face of each bat. Collectors highly covet this additional feature for its rarity and visual appeal enhancement. Furthermore, 1976 was a pivotal year in the career of baseball's GOAT catcher. After leading the Big Red Machine to a championship the prior year in one of the most memorable battles in World Series history against the Boston Red Sox, Bench put on one of the most outstanding post-season performances in 1976.

Bench helped the Cincinnati Reds sweep the New York Yankees after finishing with an outlandish .533 batting average and OPS of 1.667 on baseball's biggest stage. This dominant showing came on the heels of manager Sparky Anderson's pre-series quote after being asked how Thurman Munson stacked up against his field general by saying it would be "embarrassing" to compare anyone else to Bench. While atypical for his gamers, the small wrap of tape near the knob was possibly applied by Bench to help deal with an ailment. Like most catchers, Bench suffered hand and finger injuries throughout his career. The significance of the year, coupled with the extensive use and visual allure of this Bench gamer, make it exceptional.

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