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Lot # 863: 1976 Cincinnati Reds World Series Trophy Presented to Sheldon "Chief" Bender

Starting Bid: $1,500.00

Bids: 21 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



1976 Cincinnati Reds replica MLB Championship trophy was presented to director of player personnel Sheldon "Chief" Bender. Not to be confused with early-1900s Hall of Famer Charles "Chief" Bender (no relation), Sheldon was the Reds' farm system director and was in charge of player personnel during no less than the "Big Red Machine" era. He earned his nickname during his military stint as a Chief Petty Officer. Presented only to players and VIPs, this trophy stands about 12" tall and sits on a round base approximately 7.25" in diameter. Like the one awarded to the Championship team, this scaled-down version contains a flag with the name of each Major League team, along with a crown and logos of that year's World Series finalists, the Reds and the New York Yankees. The plaque at the base of the trophy reads, "Cincinnati Reds - World Champions - Sheldon Bender, Director of Player Personnel." Overall in EX-MT condition with a few minor scratches on the base, this was originally obtained from Bender, who served as Cincy's farm director for 22 years. Obviously, due to the limited distribution, these are hard to come by in any condition, with this one having the bonus of dating to one of MLB's greatest dynasties.

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