Johnny Bench was the man. Of course he still is a man, but during his days as catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, he was THE man.
Shortly after I was born, my grandfather, Robert Westheimer, went to a Reds game and got me a ball signed by the All-Star catcher. That was his last year playing — a year which ended on “Johnny Bench Night” at Riverfront Stadium, an event where he hit his 389th homerun (the most all-time for a catcher).
Why do I bring him up? I’ve never been to Cooperstown, but Charlie was there yesterday and took this snap-shot of his HOF plaque for me. The image sends shivers up my spine.
That Johnny was good!
Thanks Charlie.
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