Mr. Bench is featured a lot on this card and the preceding card.
Thurman Munson had a good series, but he was overshadowed by Bench. Cincinnati manager Sparky Anderson sparked a firestorm when he asked a reporter not to compare Munson and Bench. Thurman didn't like the quote.
When I looked at the back of this card I thought to myself, "The Reds used only nine non-pitchers?" I figured there would at least be one or two at bats by other guys. After checking baseball-reference.com I realized that this card is correct.
The Reds really did a number on the Yankees in their four game sweep. Pete Rose and Ken Griffey were the only guys who didn't do much. Johnny Bench was named the World Series MVP.
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.
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
