1968 Topps Johnny Bench Rookie Card

[David W]

Growing up in the 1970's and 80's, even as a Cardinal fan, every youth and High School baseball player in the Midwest wanted to be someone on the Big Red Machine.

I cheered for the Cardinals, but after Lou Brock, Johnny Bench was my favorite player by far.

[sixpointone]

Thanks all for the kind words. I used to collect cards years ago, but stopped around 1990. I have some nice cards I might get graded someday, but it is fitting for me that my Bench rookie was my first. So much so that when I got it back, it was the first PSA graded card I even held.

One day I might get another, and of course everyone would dream of a 10 (for me with the correct spelling on back). But if not, I am proud to call the card mine!

And wow, Eric that Bench rookie you have really looks nice! Congrats!

[irv]

Originally Posted by sixpointone

Hi all,

I thought I'd let you know that my Bench rookie, which is pictured on post 37, came back from PSA. It was graded at a 7. Overall, a decent grade. To me the best part of the card is remembering getting it many years ago.

Best,
John

Congrats, John, and thanks for sharing your story.

I assume you had to give your card to PSA at the show, or did you mail it in?

I would love to be able to get some of my cards graded in front of me, or at least get them back the same day, but SGC nor PSA, that i'm aware of, does such a thing up here in Canada.

Originally Posted by Eric72

Hope I'm not too late to join the party.

Here is my Bench Rookie. It's only a PSA 5; however, looks fine to me.

Great card of a great player. One could argue he was among the best catchers that ever played in the Major Leagues.

Very nice card, Eric!

[sixpointone]

Hi Irv,

I went to a show, gave it to PSA and they sent it along to their home office to grade. From there it was sent back to me. I do agree with you, ideally it would be done in person, but being a new I'm unsure if that is possible.

In time, I want to get a stand for the card, and display it with a few of my Johnny items, including a picture with him, and a personalized signed baseball. Great to feel like a kid again!

Best always,
John

[irv]

Originally Posted by sixpointone

Hi Irv,

I went to a show, gave it to PSA and they sent it along to their home office to grade. From there it was sent back to me. I do agree with you, ideally it would be done in person, but being a new I'm unsure if that is possible.

In time, I want to get a stand for the card, and display it with a few of my Johnny items, including a picture with him, and a personalized signed baseball. Great to feel like a kid again!

Best always,
John

Thanks for the info.

FYI, just be careful where you put your card and pic as, over time, both will fade from sunlight and unnatural light.

This pic of my Great Uncle Sam with Mickey Mantle was hung up in his den and over the years, as you can maybe tell yourself, it faded quite a bit.

[sixpointone]

Hi Irv,

You're most welcome for the info! And thanks for that heads up. If I do get my display set up, I'll definitely have to keep it out of direct sunlight. I appreciate that FYI. BTW, that truly is a classic picture!

Best always,
John

[glynparson]

Niether company will grade them right in front of you. Your best is same day at a show and i believe PSA only does this at the national anymore. SGC does it at a number of shows. SGC will also be more forthcoming with why something graded what it did if you have any issues. Probably will never do it in Canada though, it would probably be too large a hassle and or cost ineffective to ship the slabbing machine into the country.