Johnny Bench

Johnny Bench spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Cincinnati Reds. He has been a collector favorite ever since he first laced up his cleats and is considered one of the greatest catchers of all-time. Through the years, he has maintained his visibility to the masses with his media involvement. Bench is a regular on the autograph circuit which, keeps his values at reasonable rates compared to other Hall of Famers. That said, he still draws crowds wherever he goes. Johnny Bench card values, although not the highest, are still strong.

Nolan Ryan isn't the only diamond legend to make his official hobby debut in 1968 Topps Baseball. Being a bit behind the strikeout king's status, the rookie Johnny Bench card often gets second billing in the set. That doesn't stop it from carrying significant weight in the collecting world.

Johnny Bench Rookie Card Checklist

1968 Topps Baseball #247

The unfortunate design of 1968 Topps did not do Bench any favors as he broke into the league. Like many rookies from the era, Bench shares his first card with a player who would go on to be little more than a hobby footnote. Bench's card-mate: Ron Tompkins, a pitcher who never amounted to much. Had the Johnny Bench card been a solo affair, there's little doubt it would be worth much more.

The card also has an error on the back. In the first line, "the" is spelled "tne." There is some uncertainty if it is actually an error and not a print issue where the top half of the "h" did not appear. Also, many of the cards available do not feature the typo, which further supports the possibility of an issue with the ink.

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

1971 Topps #250 JOHNNY BENCH Reds VG or Better $15.00

2011 Topps Sketch card Brian Kong 1 1 1969 Johnny Bench Artist Proof AP $599.99

2005 Fleer Signature Swings, Johnny Bench Autograph card number 47 76 $13.50

1971 Topps, #250 Johnny Bench PSA 5 - EX $45.00

1975 Topps Johnny Bench, NL All Star Catcher,#260,NM-M+ $30.00

1971 TOPPS #250 JOHNNY BENCH EX SET BREAK $25.00

2004 SP Game Used Patch Legendary Fabrics #BE Johnny Bench w Mask 12 50 $42.95

REDS 1969 Topps COMPLETE Stamp Album (JOHNNY BENCH PETE ROSE TONY PEREZ B.TOLAN) $19.99