
Johnny Bench - Bricktown Ballpark - OKC, OK
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Max and 99
N 35° 27.902 W 097° 30.539
14S E 635288 N 3925636
Oklahoma native and baseball Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench
Waymark Code: WM8AEN
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 02/28/2010
Views: 24
This life-size sculpture of Johnny Bench stands atop a 4 ft. granite foundation in front of Johnny Bench Plaza at the OKC Bricktown Ballpark (home of the OKC Redhawks). There are several other sculptures nearby depicting other famous athletes and coaches.
text on plaque on base of sculpture:
Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench redefined standards by which catchers are measured during 17 seasons with the "Big Red Machine." Johnny controlled the game on both sides of the plate with his hitting (389 homers, a record for catchers - and 1376 RBI's) and his amazing ability to throw out base runners.
Born in Oklahoma City on December 7, 1947, and raised in Binger, Oklahoma, Johnny was All-State in baseball and basketball at Binger High School and Valedictorian of his graduating class. His dad, Ted, told him the quickest way to the major leagues was catching.
During his 17 year major league career with the Cincinatti Reds, Johnny was named Rookie of the Year in 1968, National League Most Valuable Player in 1970 and 1972, World Series MVP in 1976, a 14 time all-star and won 10 consecutive Golden Gloves. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 and was voted starting catcher on the All-Century team.
His excellence on the playing field and dedication for a better society has made Johnny Bench a true Oklahoma hero.
URL of the statue: Not listed

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