1973 Topps Johnny Bench, Yea or Nay?

[JollyElm]

changemymind-johnny-bench.jpg


I think the 1973 Johhny Bench card is undoubtedly one of the coolest cards EVAH!!!!!!!!! But once in a while, I'll run across a post basically saying how much they hate that particular card, so here's a poll. Do you love it, hate it, or couldn't care less??


s-l1600-15.jpg


Edited to add: Yes, I realize I could have used better grammar in creating the graphic. An English teacher would have instructed me to use "most awesome" or just "awesomest" (if that's even a word) by itself, but I really wanted to stress the point.

[Hxcmilkshake]

Love it. Its not an airbrushed head shot ....so un-70s!

Also remember him with the Kool Aid Man for some reason.


Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Phil68]

I'm in minority. I hate the card. I actually, generally, don't care for action shots on cards. Ironically, the '73 Bench is my least favorite of his. His '69 and '76 are my favorites. However, it's easy to see why folks would love the '73. Action shots are very popular.

On a related note...ANY 1970's frontline Reds player is pretty cool!

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by Hxcmilkshake

Love it. Its not an airbrushed head shot ....so un-70s!

Also remember him with the Kool Aid Man for some reason.


Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

GREAT shot!

[mrmopar]

Great action shot, but the back of head angle detracts from the overall awesomeness in my mind. 76 Bench is the best Bench card in my opinion. I do like the 73 too, but not as much as the 76.

[stlcardsfan]

I think it’s a great card. I always wondered about the Giants in the dugout. It appears Bench is a few feet from them and they are in no hurry to move. (Let alone move that glove laying on the ground). Is that the old dugout at Candlestick? No steps. Wonder if this might have been a Spring Training game. Looks like a great running catch by the gold glover!

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by stlcardsfan

I think it’s a great card. I always wondered about the Giants in the dugout. It appears Bench is a few feet from them and they are in no hurry to move. (Let alone move that glove laying on the ground). Is that the old dugout at Candlestick? No steps. Wonder if this might have been a Spring Training game. Looks like a great running catch by the gold glover!

It's at "The Stick" and....no, they were offering any assistance, Lol.

[todeen]

Its a good shot. I wish you could see the face, they were probably trying to recreate the famous SI cover.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[mr2686]

It's a great card. You don't really see his face, but you have a great action shot, you clearly see his number and name on the back of his uni, and I really like the Giant players just sitting there waiting for him to fall in to the dugout...and don't forget the 70's sideburns. LOL

[DeanH3]

Voted hate it although that may be a little strong. Never cared for that shot. Now the '74, that's a cool card.

[Mountaineer1999]

Johnny Bench hated the card.

[JollyElm]

Well, tell him to log in and vote in the poll!

[71buc]

Meh...I have always liked the 1976. As a child of the 70s I grew up thinking of Bench as a bad ass in catcher's gear. The 1976 topps has that don't f$%k with me look. The dust lends that wild west gunslinger look that he epitomized in his day.

[Mountaineer1999]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Well, tell him to log in and vote in the poll!

I called him but he didn't answer.
I really believe I heard him talk about it in an interview a few years ago....but I cannot find on YouTube after an hour of searching and listening so now I have my doubts. 🤓🤓

[Bigdaddy]

I'm a big Bench fan, but I've never particularly liked this card of Bench's back. Much prefer the '76 Bench as an earlier poster said. In general, I thought the photos were not very clear/crisp across the board on the '73s.

Tom

[Eric72]

I’ve always liked 1973 Topps. When I started collecting in 1977, five year old me was captivated by the “old” cards that weren’t in packs. What drew me to this set was the silhouette noting the player’s position.

With regard to Johnny Bench, I like the photo. In my opinion, the photographer timed their picture perfectly.

[stlcardsfan]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer1999

I called him but he didn't answer.
I really believe I heard him talk about it in an interview a few years ago....but I cannot find on YouTube after an hour of searching and listening so now I have my doubts. 🤓🤓

Donnie, I can verify that. I have heard him say the exact same thing, but can’t remember where.

[rats60]

I love the action shots. I remember pulling the 1970 Bud Harrelson and being blown away even though he was just signing an autograph. After years of posed pictures and boring head shots, many without hats, the early 70s cards were a breath of fresh air. This is a great action shot and my 2nd favorite Bench to his 1970 Topps card.

[Exhibitman]

I can see why it would be polarizing. I think many of the action shots in 1973 are awful: Jackson clemente and rose are lousy. This one I like because it shows JB doing what he was supposed to be the best at.

[Harliduck]

I voted Love it, because, well, I love it. Top 5 for me for the 73's...

My favorite Bench card by far is the 1969, and others have mentioned that. He looks so young, good crisp card in one of my favorite years. We are blessed to have many cool Bench cards...