This H and B Model B278 lumber is a very nice example from early in the Hall of Fame career of Johnny Bench. All three years that this could be from are good ones for Bench, spanning 1970-72. It measures 35.5" and 33 ounces and shows nice use with ball and seam marks on the barrel, Bench's iconic number "5" written on the barrel in black marker, and also on the barrel end in very faded marker. Just two seasons after winning Rookie of the Year honors, Bench became the engine powering the Big Red Machine, winning MVP awards in both 1970 and 1972. In the '70 campaign, he bashed a league-leading 45 homers and 148 RBI, adding 40 and 125 two years later to go with Gold Glove status both seasons.