This Bench-signed catcher’s mitt was given as a gift by the HOFer at the time of his retirement after the 1983 season. Though Bench didn’t actually wear the Rawlings HBL01 “Gold Glove Series” mitt during a game, it is the model he used he used and the darker leather in the pocket indicates he may have started to break it in just in case.he needed it. Signature on the thumb part in green marker is a superb Bench example grading NRMT status, as it the mitt itself with its supple yet firm leather and tight-as-a-drum laces. Despite Fisk and Piazza having surpassed his homer record for catchers, only the deranged would argue that Bench wasn’t the best all-around catcher of all time. Comes with LOA from the friend that was given this glove by Bench.