(LOT 1741)
Johnny Bench Autographed 1968 Rookie Year Rawlings Pro-Game HOH-X Model Catcher's Mitt (NOT GAME USED) – Fanatics Authentication for Johnny Bench Autograph & Inscription (Cert# A839663)
Most historians would agree that Johnny Bench resides as the greatest catcher in baseball history (w/all due respect to the legendary Yogi Berra). Bench's "cannon-like" throwing arm, world-class batting achievements, and unparalleled ability to hit in the clutch ably assisted him in capturing two MVP awards and 10 Gold Gloves. Bench started out his 1968 rookie campaign by utilizing a pro model HOH-X catcher's mitt ultimately used for his 1969 baseball card (the 1969 Topps image was shot the previous '68 season), with a close-up of the accompanying image revealing the HOH-X stampings. This old-school design featured a beautiful rolled lace web top and a "sling shot" web, and Bench always claimed this mitt was the reason he broke two fingers.

Bench would eventually change over to a flex-hinge catcher's mitt responsible for his iconic one-handed catching style that allowed him, via his trademark dexterity, to block breaking balls in the dirt with one hand instead of the textbook way of dropping both knees to the ground. Presented here just happens to be the extremely rare 1968 issued HOH -X Johnny Bench game model glove utilized at the start of his 1968 rookie season, boldly signed in black sharpie by Bench as follows: "Johnny Bench – My Rookie Game Model." It should be noted that only a handful of Bench game model gloves have survived, but none can boast being the original HOH-X type. This very scarce model is in excellent condition with the bold stampings (including HOH-X & Rawlings) and original lacing completely intact.

The aforementioned autograph depicts conservative "9" strength and the critical Fanatics certification sticker is on the wrist strap (cert# A839663). Although not a "game-used" glove, its game model HOH-X pedigree places this grand offering as one of the most significant Johnny Bench rookie-era artifacts extant, conjuring up vivid memories of how this remarkable catcher dominated our National Pastime arguably better than any catcher who ever graced a baseball diamond! – Accompanied with an 8" x 10" photo of the actual color image used for his 1969 card where you can clearly see the HOH-X model glove. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS! Photo is included in lot but the 1969 Topps Card isn't included in lot. 
MIN BID $300
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