This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
It's well known that the rookie card of Nolan Ryan has but one example on the PSA pop report that resides at the GEM MINT level, but the "other" significant rookie card of the series, that of Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, isn't exactly an easy find with just 16 earning PSA's top praise. Bench was a two-time National League MVP whose prowess at the plate was impressive but always secondary to his ability behind it as he is thought by many to be the best defensive catcher in baseball history. His accolades also include National League Rookie of the Year, back-to-back World Series Championships with the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" (1975, 76), World Series MVP (1976), 14-time All-Star, and 10 Gold Gloves. And while he was a virtual lock to take that Gold Glove Award year after year (he earned it for 10 consecutive seasons), Bench also led the National League in both home runs and RBI in his two MVP seasons. Adeptly centered with vibrant color and a terrific original gloss, with each of the four corners earning their stripes as GEM MINT. A truly incredible specimen!