Johnny Lee Bench

From 1967 to 1983, Johnny Bench redefined the catching position, combining offensive prowess and defensive excellence like no catcher before or since. A 14-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time league MVP, he was an essential part of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine, which won four pennants and two World Championships in the 1970s and stands as one of the finest teams ever assembled. The Reds' all-time leader in home runs and RBI, his uniform #5 was retired by the team in 1984. A first-ballot inductee into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1986 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, he was selected as the starting catcher on baseball's All-Century Team in 1999.

Cincinnati, Ohio · United States