Arguably the greatest catcher of all time, Bench won 10 Gold Gloves, was a 12 time All-Star and won two NL MVP awards during his 17 year Hall of Fame career. Bench was also named the MVP of the 1976 World Series that saw him bat .533 and lead the "Big Red Machine" to a 4 game sweep over the NY Yankees. Bench used this Hillerich & Bradsby R43 model bat during his true rookie season of 1967. The bat measures 35.5 inches and weighs 31.3 ounces. The ash wood flame burned bat shows evidence of excellent use with a crack on the back barrel that has been repaired with seven small nails. Several ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right, left and back barrel. The handle has been scored to enhance the grip and the model number “R43” is stamped into the knob. Bench signed the front barrel in black marker with the added inscription “1968 NL ROY” and in our opinion rates an 8. Accompanied by a PSA/DNA LOA grading the bat a GU 8 and an ALOA from JSA.