Infinite's 2018 Winter Sports Auction

Bench wore this size-44 Reds road pullover jersey during the 1975 season and is specifically attributed to games one and two of the 1975 World Series and is conclusively photo matched to game 1 of the series which was played on October 11th 1975. This jersey shows absolutely incredible game use with stains and discoloration on the white sleeve bands. Bench signed the front in bold blue felt tip marker with the inscription “The Big Red Machine”. The garment was sourced directly from the former Cincinnati Reds farm director and the jersey was signed and inscribed at the Big Red Machine Reunion. This gray road pullover jersey has “CINCINNATI” arched across the chest in sewn on red tackle twill and Bench’s number “5” in red tackle twill on the center left. The back of the jersey has a larger number “5” and “BENCH” sewn on in the same red tackle twill. Sleeve ends are ringed in red and white elastic with red and white trim ringing the v-neck collar. Rawlings size-44 manufacturers tag is adhered to the inside left back tail. This historic jersey comes with a photo match LOA from Real Game Used and is also accompanied by a Hunt Auctions LOA and a LOA from game used expert Dave Miedema. The autograph is pre-certified by PSA and comes with an COA from The Big Red Machine Reunion where the items was signed.

It’s hard to pick just one name that would be synonymous with Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine of the 1970’s, but you could make a case that catcher Johnny Bench was the face of the franchise during his 17-year career with the team. Bench burst on the scene capturing the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1968 and was the league’s MVP in 1970 and 1972. He knocked a respective league- leading 45 and 40 home runs while also leading the league with 148 and 125 RBI. Amassing 13 perennial All-Star appearances from 1968-1980 and a farewell nod for good measure in his final season of 1983.

THE RESERVE ON THIS ITEM WAS NOT MET