1977 Topps Baseball #70 - Johnny Bench

• Here is another card that was coveted by our little group of collectors in 1977.
• Mr. Bench had an off year in 1976, but he bounced back in 1977. Johnny won his tenth (and last) Gold Glove award in 1977.
• Johnny went through an acrimonious divorce during the 1977 season.
• A guy who found Johnny's checkbook on the sunroof of a car and who had written several fraudulent checks in Johnny's name was arrested in February 1977.
• About a week ago I asked if Manny Sanguillen was the most blogged about player. In terms of different years of cards, I think Mr. Bench has Manny (and Oscar Gamble) beat.
• 1977 Stats:
• Regular Season: .275, 31 HR, 109 RBI
• All Star Game: Starting NL catcher - 0 for 2
• 1977 Highlights:
• May 29 - Hit a grand slam to help the Reds beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-1.
• June 25 - Homered twice and had three RBI in the Reds' 4-3 win over the Dodgers.
• Aug 16 - Was quoted as saying that the team's struggles in 1977 were due in large part to the team being "pooped" after five years of tough play.
• Aug 27 - Dan Driessen and Mr. Bench hit back to back solo home runs with two out in the bottom of the 9th off of Tug McGraw to help the Reds to a 6-5 comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies
• Other card blogs: 1983, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1976, 1976, 1976, 1976, 1975, 1975, 1975, 1975, 1974, 1974, 1971, 1969, 1968