Today is Johnny Bench's birthday. Let's honor the GOAT by showing off some of my favorite Johnny B cardboard.
Well, the favorites from my small PC.
I can't start off with a Benc RC, because of course, I don't have one yet. The earliest my collection goes is this 1969 beauty...
Then comes 1971 Topps
Digging that old-time batting helmet.
Jumping to 1974 Kellogs 3D - with a midsection crack that just grazes Johnny's chin. Scars are sexy!
Batting cleanup is my favorite Bench card of all time, 1975 Topps. Shoutout to Ana Lu - Crazy dust!!
A big hole in my collection makes us jump to 1980 Topps (stirrups alert!)
From 1981 Topps...
From the Hockey Sticks set, 1982 Topps. Johnny looking like he ate the last cookie.
This is the last card I have from Johnny B's playing days, 1983 Topps. It features Bench in a great shot, displaying the posture that struck fear in so many pitchers - across both leagues...
Finally, a few of my favorite Bench tribute cards...
2009 Upper Deck 20th Anniversary
1985 Circle K with a great shot of Bench (at Riverfront Stadium?)
Finally, a beautifully designed card with Bench's career stats on the rear, Upper Deck 2001 Upper Deck Legends...
Happy Birthday, Johnny B!
Aloha!
What are you talking about? Today isn't Mickey Tettleton's birthday!
ReplyDeleteMany thumbs up for a hell of a catcher. May Bench's later years be devoid of any runs, drips, and errors! Oh, and nice cards, especially the '71 Topps and '01 Legends (love that set).
I've got to find some more cards from that Legends set.
DeleteThe background on the Circle K card I think is Candlestick Park. It's way too small to be Riverfront Stadium.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great call on the Stick. Good eye!
DeleteGreat Johnny B collection
ReplyDeleteVery nice my friend. Bench was a beast.
ReplyDelete