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Baseball Hall of Fame catcher and former member of the Big Red Machine, Johnny Bench, will be in Tullahoma Saturday evening, Oct. 28, according to Lane Curlee, a member of the Tullahoma Sports Council. The Council is sponsoring the visit, which is a fundraiser for the Tullahoma High School baseball and softball teams. The event will be held at Tullahoma High School from 5:30- 8:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased by calling Tullahoma Sports Council President Jim Bratcher at 931-247-5734. The ticket includes a barbecue supper catered by Whiskey Trail and the opportunity to see, hear and meet the greatest catcher in Major League Baseball history (according to ESPN).

Bench will be available for a photo with each attendee. In addition to the appearance by Bench, there will be a silent auction with approximately 30 items signed by Bench available for purchase, in addition to other silent auction items.

“Bench is a dynamic speaker and is sure to motivate and inspire all who attend,” said Curlee.

The life and times of Johnny Bench

– Played his entire career, 1967-83 with the Cincinnati Reds, primarily as a catcher.

– He was the leader of the Reds team known as the Big Red Machine in the 70s.

– His teams won six division titles, four National League pennants, and two World Series championships.

– 14 time All-Star and two-time National League MVP

– Led the league twice in homeruns and three times in RBIs

– At the time of his retirement in 1983, he held the Major League record for most home runs by a catcher.

– His 389 home runs and 1,376 RBIs are the most in Cincinnati Reds history

– Ten time Gold Glove winner

– Caught 100 or more games for 13 consecutive seasons

– Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 in his first year of eligibility.

– ESPN has named Bench the “greatest catcher” in Major League baseball history.

– Holds the Major League record for grand slams by a catcher (ten).

– Earned the Lou Gehrig award and Babe Ruth award.

– There is a photo of Bench holding seven baseballs in his right hand.

– His number 5 uniform was retired by the Reds.

– Bench was ranked #16 of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players of all time by Sporting News

– He has authored two books: “Catch Every Ball” and “Catch You Later”.

– Broadcast games on TV and radio

– Statue of Bench is at the Great American Park in Cincinnati