This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Offered here is a nice pair of Johnny Bench game-worn and signed cleats from the 1970's when he was the key cog for the "Big Red Machine." A 14-time All-Star twice named National League Most Valuable Player, Bench helped lead the Cincinnati Reds to six division titles, four pennants and two World Series championships during his Hall of Fame career. These Adidas 'M.V.P.' red leather cleats are penned with Bench's jersey No. "5" in thick black marker on the interior insoles; "12" (perhaps for size) is faintly marked in blue just above. Bench has autographed both outer tongues with the inscription "Game Used" in perfect 10/10 black marker. The left shoe has a peculiar black dot on the heel and a coded stamp (only "12: 105" legible) on the inside. Original white laces are intact. On both shoes, the three white Adidas logo stripes are painted over in red and the Adidas brand name on the tongues and interior tagging are scratched out. This can't be a coincidence but the exact reason is unknown. Both cleats show outstanding game use, with significant stretching in the leather and dirt chunks stuck to the metal spikes on the bottom. This pair recently sold, unsigned, at auction for $1,840; they have since been autographed.
Includes LOA signed by Johnny Bench. Autograph and inscription pre-certified by PSA/DNA.