Lot # 2397: 1972 Johnny Bench Cincinnati Reds Twice-Signed Game-Used Catcher's Glove with Reggie Jackson Provenance - MVP Season - PSA/DNA and Beckett

Rawlings catcher’s glove used by Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Johnny Bench during his 1972 season, where he won the National League MVP Award. This glove originates directly from fellow Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and is accompanied by a signed LOA from Jackson attesting to its provenance. The “RL-1P” model glove features Bench's uniform number “5” written in vintage black marker on the back of the web and thumb sleeve. According to PSA/DNA, "three dots are stamped on the top of the thumb sleeve indicating the year the glove was manufactured, 1972." Bench has signed the glove twice in black ink, once on the back of the index finger, and again on the interior edge with an added inscription ("NL MVP 70 + 72"). Bench is considered by many to be the greatest catcher in baseball history. A two-time home-run champion and winner of two MVP Awards and 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, Bench was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989, his first year of eligibility. In 1999, he was named as one of two catchers to baseball’s All-Century Team. Game-used gloves of Hall of Fame players, especially one of Bench’s stature, are rare. The fact that this glove originates directly from Reggie Jackson and is accompanied by a signed LOA from him, not to mention that it dates from one of Bench's two MVP seasons, makes it the finest example we have ever handled. The glove displays wear commensurate with a season of use. The leather remains supple and all of the lacing is intact. In Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA. LOA from Reggie Jackson. Full LOA from Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services (autographs only).