Johnny Bench grew up in Binger, Oklahoma, learning a position that was often valued more for defense and toughness than glamour. His father taught him to catch, giving him an understanding of the entire game from behind the plate. By high school, Bench was an all-state athlete in baseball and basketball, and in 1965 the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the second round of Major League Baseball’s first amateur draft. Bench reached the major leagues at 19 and quickly began changing expectations for catchers. He could control the running game with an exceptional throwing arm while also providing power few catchers had previously produced. Rookie of the Year honors, two National League MVP awards, Gold Gloves, All-Star selections and two World Series championships followed. By the time his career ended, the Oklahoma kid from Binger had become one of baseball’s standards for the position.