Subject(s): Johnny Bench Sport: Baseball Location: OKC Redhawks, Bricktown Ballpark, Oklahoma City, OK Unveiled: 6/4/2001 Sculptor: Paul Moore Material: Bronze Status: In Situ Inscription(s): Inscribed on plinth, side 1: 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 Cincinnati 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 Gold 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. Inscribed on plinth, side 2: The Lee Allan Smith Family. The Gene Torbett Family. Carla and Richard Ellis. Brewer Entertainment. Inscribed on plinth, side 3: Southwestern Bell. Edward L. Gaylord. Leigh Ann Perri. Michael Davis Perri. Inscribed on plinth, side 4: Express Personnel Services. Gary, Lorena, Paul, Katherine & Scott Story. The Rainbolt Family. Paul Moore. Sculptor. Norman, OK. Willis Granite Products, Inc. Granite, OK. Links: Sculptor