Famous Oklahomans; Johnny Bench

When it comes to Oklahoma, it does not take long to find someone who has achieved greatness in status and achievement. However, with the nickname “Little General”, that is reason enough to do some research on the matter. Johnny Bench is known as “Baseball’s Greatest Catcher,” and was bornandraisedinOklahoma.

BenchwasbornDecember 7, 1947 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Bench was part Choctaw and was raised in Binger, Okla. He played baseball, basketball, and was valedictorian at Binger-Oney High School where he graduated in 1965. Binger is a town in Caddo County and the headquarters of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma.

Bench’s father told him the fastest route to becoming a major leaguer was as a catcher and that is exactly what the young Bench did. At the early age of 17, Bench was selected by the Cincinnati Reds and played for the Minor League team the Buffalo Bisons in 1966 and 1967.

By 1967, Bench became a quintessential player for the Cincinnati Reds who were often referred to as “The Big Red Machine”. By the age of 22, he became a star at any position for The Reds and cemented his iconic position with the league of which he continued from 1967 through 1983 leading the team to retire his number, #5. Some accolades during the time he spent with the Reds included: Two MVP”s, ten Gold Gloves, National League Rookie of the Year, and during the VietnamWarheservedalong with other team mates in the UnitedStatesArmyNational Guard with the 478th Engineer Battalion. After retiring from The Cincinnati Reds, Bench did not disappear. Bench was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY in 1989 and he was selected the very first opportunity that he became eligible. Bench had some other talents that he soon shared with the world. One talent in particular was stage performance of which he made his first formal appearance in Cincinnati Stage Production, “Damn Yankees”. Bench also appeared on many television shows as a guest appearance as well as spending much time working as a color commentator for several baseball broadcasts.

Bench created some real memorable moments in baseball that where almost infectious to young fans. He easily used either hand to throw, catch, and bat. This self-developed eccentric style became a familiar look for Bench.

Bench left a mark on baseball for sure, but he also left his mark on his hometown. A trip to Binger revealed the pride that the small town holds for Bench. His name will be the first thing one sees upon entering. Large signs reading,“BingerHomeTown of Johnny Bench” are not the only thing a visitor will see upon entering, as right on the main street in historic downtown Binger is an entire museum dedicated to Bench. A stroll inside of the museum revealed the original items used and collected by Bench throughouthiscareerandthe entire museum is a journey through the life and career of Johnny Bench.