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jjjjjJohn Lee Bench was born on December 7, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After dominating the minor league, he went to the majors and won the National League Rookie of the Year award. Throughout his 17 year career with "The Big Red Machine" (Cincinnati Reds), he received 10 golden gloves awards. He holds the National League record for most home runs by a catcher, and the all-time record for home runs by a Cincinnati Red. He was twice voted the National League's Most Valuable Player. When he retired he had these career statistics:
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Doubles |
Triples |
Home Runs |
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1,091 |
2,048 |
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"I think Johnny Bench is the greatest catcher ever to play the game. I mean, I hear people say that I have better mechanics than Johnny Bench, but come on, to me, I'm just another player compared to him. He's the best. The very best."
Ivan Rodriguez, catcher, Texas Rangers