By Bert Leeson
The fifth bobblehead in Hall of Fame’s 2024 “Long Ball” Collectible Gift Series commemorates Bench’s legendary 1972 NLCS Home Run
August 30, 2024
The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore is proud to announce the release of a Johnny Bench bobblehead that celebrates his game-tying home run in Game 5 of the 1972 NL Championship Series, which led to the Reds winning the pennant.
Facing elimination in the 1972 National League Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bench hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, leading to a rally that resulted in the Reds scoring the winning run and clinching the pennant.
Bench played his entire 17-year major league career with the Reds and is the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1986 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
The Johnny Bench bobblehead, presented by Dinsmore, is free with regular-price paid admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum (or a ballpark tour) beginning Saturday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. and will be available Saturdays and Sundays through September, while supplies last. There is a limit of one bobblehead per visitor per day. The Johnny Bench bobblehead is one of the many benefits included with a Hall of Fame membership.
The bobblehead series runs through September and features a memorable Reds home run hitter each month:
- May: George Foster – Franchise record-setting 52-home run season (now available only with membership)
- June: Barry Larkin – MLB’s first 30/30 shortstop (now available only with membership)
- July: Jay Bruce – 2010 Division clinching home run (now available only with membership)
- August: Todd Frazier – 2015 Home Run Derby champion (now available only with membership)
- September: Johnny Bench – 1972 NLCS home run
The five players in the 2024 collectible series are showcased in the museum’s 2024 feature exhibit: The Long Ball: A Home Run History of the Reds presented by Dinsmore.
About the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore
Driven by a mission to celebrate greatness, preserve history and provide inspiration, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum at Great American Ball Park is where the story of Reds baseball comes alive each day. The Museum features 16,000 square feet of historical, interactive and educational exhibits, highlighting the rich and storied tradition of the Reds for fans of all ages. Since its inception, 93 individuals have been honored with induction. Plan your visit at redsmuseum.org.
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