50 years ago, Johnny Bench hit first homer

When last the MLB All-Star Game was in Cincinnati, in 2015, Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench was there. The 14-time All-Star on Sunday evening offered congratulations to the most recent Cincinnati All-Stars, starting shortstop Zack Cozart and reserve first baseman Joey Voto.

When last the MLB All-Star Game was in Cincinnati, in 2015, Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench was there. The 14-time All-Star on Sunday evening offered congratulations to the most recent Cincinnati All-Stars, starting shortstop Zack Cozart and reserve first baseman Joey Voto.

On this day in 1967, Reds legendary catcher Johnny Bench hit his first home run in a 9-4 win over the Braves in Atlanta.

Bench would go on to be a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest and most beloved Reds in history. He played in Cincinnati from 1967 to 1983, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Often regarded as the best catcher in baseball history, the Reds won six division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series with Bench as the backstop.

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