Growing up in the small, Oklahoma town of Binger, Johnny realized his dream to become a major league baseball player when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds in the 1965 amateur draft. Two seasons later, Johnny made Cincinnati's Major League roster and marked the beginning of one of baseball's most successful careers as a catcher.
Johnny's ascension to celebrity status includes being named as the 16th greatest player of all time and undoubtedly the greatest catcher ever (as stated by Sporting News in late 1998). Among his honors are:
- World Series MVP, 1976
- Named to 14 All-Star Teams
- Won 10 Gold Gloves
- Set an endurance record by catching 100 or more games In 13 consecutive seasons
- Led the Cincinnati Reds to the pennant
- Selected to All Century Team
- Hosted Emmy-Award-winning instructional show, "The Baseball Bunch
Retiring from baseball in 1983, Johnny fundrai ses for various local and national causes such as the ?Catch the Cure' program at the Children's Hospital of Cincinnati and the Heart Association. Additionally, the Johnny Bench Scholarship Fund provides a college education to Cincinnati area students.
In the entertainment field, Johnny has logged thousands of hours in personal appearances on ESPN & Fox Sports, has toured with the Bob Hope Christmas shows, visiting troops during Desert Storm, and participates in Celebrity Tour Golf Tournaments.
Considered a compelling, entertaining speaker, Johnny has inspired and motivated audiences from the Fortune 500 executives to Boys' & Girls' Clubs around the country.
Baseball Hall of Famer
