Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Johnny Bench

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

1. Johnny Bench Marker

Inscription. 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 batting (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.

Erected 2001 by City of Oklahoma City Public Art.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Baseball Hall of Famers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1947.

Location.

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35° 27.869′ N, 97° 30.534′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. Marker is at the intersection of South Mickey Mantle Drive and Johnny Bench Drive, on the right when traveling north on South Mickey Mantle Drive. Marker is underneath the Johnny Bench statue at the southwest corner of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City OK 73104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Centennial Fountain at United Way Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilber Joe Rogan (within shouting distance of this marker); Lloyd James Waner (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Glee Waner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carl Owen Hubbell (about 300 feet away); John L.R. "Pepper" Martin (about 300 feet away); Bobby Murcer (about 300 feet away); Allie Pierce Reynolds (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Also see . . .
1. Johnny Bench on Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Johnny Bench (Baseball-reference.com). A complete listing of his playing statistics. (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

3. Johnny Bench (Baseball Hall of Fame). (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

2. Johnny Bench Marker

Marker is under the statue of Johnny Bench outside the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.