Description: Ebbets is excited to celebrate the heritage of Minor League Baseball that stretches into the modern game with our Vintage Minor League collection. Featuring a modern crown with raised embroidery on the front.

Product Details:

League: International League

History: Two years before Ted Williams would declare him a “Hall of Famer for sure,” a 17-year-old Johnny Bench was selected in the 1965 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Following his father’s advice, the high school valedictorian Bench would pursue a career as a catcher, suiting up for the Buffalo Bisons in 1966 and 1967. A uniquely talented player, he was the first catcher to ever win Rookie of the Year in either league in 1968, and would build on his success two years later in 1970 to become the youngest player ever to win National League MVP. Bench would spend his entire 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds, revolutionizing the position of catcher during his tenure.