Best-In-Class
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.
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.