This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2019
Starting in the late 1970's, the Cincinnati Reds paid tribute to St. Patrick by changing their team colors from red to green on March 17th during Spring Training, This offered St. Patty's Day jersey and cap were worn by Cincy's legendary catcher Johnny Bench in a Grapefruit League game in 1981. The white knit pullover shirt has a V-neck collar with two green stripes around the neck and a solid green stripe near the sleeve ends. A Shamrock patch is sewn on the left sleeve. Bench's iconic number "5" appears on the right chest and again much larger on the back in green tackle twill. The patented Reds logo is done in green on the left chest. An arched "BENCH" is sewn directly onto the fabric of the upper back. Bench has signed the front in 8/10 green marker above his number. Proper Rawling tagging appears inside the left front tail indicating size "44" with a "SET 1 1981" flag tag.
The accompanying green Reds cap has the traditional "C" logo on the forehead in white. It is an adjustable hat, not a fitted, which is explainable with the limited budgets teams had in those days (especially for a one-time use item). The jersey and cap each show the appropriate amount of wear for their limited, one-game use. A letter from Johnny Bench Enterprises attests to the authenticity of each item worn by the Hall of Famer.
Bench's autograph on the jersey has been pre-certified by PSA/DNA.