Other catchers may have passed him in career home runs, but Bench is still the gold standard of backstops. You might also say the same for this bat that the Big Red Machine's engine gripped tightly in his hands from 1973-75. The signature model Louisville Slugger B278 owns game use and sweet-spot ball marks as well as some cleat marks on the barrel. "5" in marker on the knob. Small sliver of wood off of the back of the barrel.