In the summer of 1968 I attended a Bison’s game at the old “Rockpile” vs. the Columbus Jets. Cincinnati was the parent team of the Bison’s and Johnny Bench was the talk of the International League
While I don’t recall the final score (Bison’s won), I do remember three major events in the game that revolved around the young Mr. Bench.
1) He threw out three base runners attempting to steal second base.
2) He made the last putout of a very complex triple play in the middle of the game.
3) He hit a three-run homer in the late innings off Sam “Toothpick” Jones, the Jets’ reliever, and former Major Leaguer.
Quite a day for the future MVP and HOF catcher, the Big Red Machine leader Johnny Bench!
-Jerry P.