"I can throw out any man alive," said Johnny Bench about his throwing as a catcher. Bench wasn't boasting; it was true. Displayed is a Johnny Bench Cincinnati Reds jersey that was game worn by one of the greatest two-way catchers in baseball history. Rare is a catcher who has the defensive skills of Bench and the power to belt 380 homers. The Hall of Famer played his entire 17-year Major League career with Cincinnati, and he was a 14-time All-Star, a 2-time NL MVP, a World Series MVP, and a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner. Bench was a key part of the Big Red Machine team that from 1970-1979 gave Cincinnati six NL West Division titles, four pennants, and two World Series Championships. This is an all-original knit, home jersey. It has a Rawlings size "42" tag inside the front left tail along with a Set 2 1980 flag tag. There is a Cincinnati Reds logo on the left chest. The numeral "5" is sewn on the right chest. "BENCH" is sewn directly onto the upper back. Under the name on the back is the numeral "5." The pullover jersey shows moderate use. The jersey comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Mears Authentication, with the jersey graded as A10. This jersey has increased value in that it is from the final year that Bench was a regular catcher. After the 1980 season, Bench played three more years, but he was primarily a third baseman and first baseman.