One might call this Bench bat the stick shift of the Big Red Machine. The Louisville Slugger B278 personal model was used during a period from 1973-75 when the Reds evolved into a championship team and Bench was a given as the game's best backstop. Bat is signed "Johnny Bench HOF 84" in blue marker on the barrel, the signature a slightly faded 7/10. About as nice a gamer as can be found with its stained-dark rings contrasting with the blonde color of the wood. Some scattered scratches and soiling and very light pine tar residue on the handle.