The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 18, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 May 1982 — Page 9

Sports

One of the greatest— Bench: From catcher to 3rd baseman

(EDITOR 5 NOTE The following article wot written by Doug Walker with the photo by Mike Roy Both ore Wawosee High School graduates who served this newspaper as sports reporter and photographer while in high school Both ore currently students of Ball State .University Doug will be' joining the staff of The Papers Incorporated for the summer, returning to 801 l State in the foil for his senior year ) After 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, the baseball accomplishments of JohnnyBench speak for themselves From the earliest days of his career. Bench was hailed as one of the greatest catchers to ever 0 play the game, and for a decade, he was the annual recipient of the Gold Glove signifying defensive excellence at that position. In recent years, the strain of catching began to take its toll, and this past winter, the Reds made moves allowing Bench to shift to third base, in order to keep his bat in the line-up That bat has collected over 360 home runs, knocked in more than 1.200 runs, and made its owner a perennial National League All Star

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Off the field, Bench is a genuine celebrity, and he, former teammate Pete Rose and Reggie Jackson are easily the most recognized personalities in the game today. Johnny Bench is most unique, however, because of what he has not done. In an age when a player with his talents and ability to draw fans could virtually name his price should he play out his option and become a free agent. Bench has chosen instead to remain with the financially conservative Reds. Since 1977, Bench has been playing for approximately half of what he could be making with another organization He has done so out of a sense of responsibility to his fans, the Cincinnati community, and himself -My father taught me most of the things concerning values and what I had to Seek in my life.” Bench said in a recent interview conducted in the Reds clubhouse. “I started saving my money early I guess it’s just a matter of how much you need 1 make an enormous amount of money the way it is. far more than anybody

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BENCH AT BAT — Cincinnati Reds number five. Johnny Bench, was caught hitting the ball during a recent game. The former catcher now plays third base for the Reds. (Photo by Mite Ray >

would have ever thought. I’ve got to do the things I think are right, based on what I need I’m happy in Cincinnati, and I ’d like to finish here There are certain guidelines everybody has to follow in his own life You structure your life to make yourself happy That’s the main thing" Bench, who had often hinted at an early retirement, surprised many fans a few weeks ago when he signed what he says will be his last contract with the Reds, taking him through the 1985 season, when he will be 37. ‘ The decision to continue was based on the fact 1 was given the op port unity to continue playing regularly, and 1 still feel pretty well," Bench siad ”1 don’t foresee playing past the end of this contract. " When the day comes that he does hang up his uniform for the final time, Bench does not anticipate having problems adjusting to life as an ex-ballplayer “If I’m lucky enough to get into something I really like and believe in. 1 don’t think it will be much of a problem." he said “I think J have enough other interests 1 don’t know how often

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you can play golf, but I guess I’m going to find out.” Bench conceded his transition from catcher to third baseman has presented some problems “It’s been difficult." he admitted. "I’m learning every game, as situations come up There’s going to be some good days and bad days. We ll just try to keep the mistakes to'znninimum. ” Despite the fact he’s nowplayed in nearly 2,000 games, in addition to a large number of All Star. Playoff, and World Series contests. Bench has few problems getting mentally prepared for games on a daily basis “You have to get up.” he said “That guy out there is trying to get you out. and you’re trying to help the team. The glory of the past is great, but you’ve got to live in the present, and play every game as hard as you possibly can.” The Reds’ World Championship in 1975 stands out as the greatest thrill of Bench’s career “Winning the World Series the first time in ’75 has to be the topper,” he said “Everybody reveled in it. All 25 members were a W’orld Champion, and you

really can’t substitute that for individual honors 1972 was a great year, winning the MVP in the 1976 World Series when we swept the Yankees is a big thing. Winning Rookie of the Year, the two Most Valuable Player awards, they’re all important But the aspect of having the whole team involved is what stands out." Bench will perhaps be best remembered for the role he played on the 1975-76 Reds, considered by many to be the most dominating team of the latter half of this century. In the years since the Reds won their second consecutive World Series in 1976, members of that team have departed via trades and free agency, and today, only Bench and shortstop Dave Concepcion remain from the starting unit. The Reds of the late 70s and the early 80s have been contending clubs, but have always seemed to lack the spirit (and ultimate success) of their predecessors Has it been a frustrating six seasons for Bench? “That kind of team will only come along once in 25 years.” he reflected. “Only a few teams before them could ever match what they did. It’s not fun to lose, but at the same time, situations change, and you have to use the talent you have available. You can’t worry about those things You can't keep thinking we used to be this or that’ We re not that team anymore. We don’t have the Hall of Famers on this team that we had at that particular time Some may develop, but that's years' ahead Right ’’ow, we've got a good ballclub, and we just have to use what we have as effectively as possible."

From the Syracuse police log — Dead subject on Bowser Road?

The foilowing was taken from the log of the Syracuse Police Department: May 12 1:44 a.m. — Party advised believe a dead subject on Bowser Road; clear KC and Syracuse officer, just west of bowling alley 1:47 am. — Officer advised found nothing at this time; KC dear 10:25 a.m. — Subject advised he saw a pick-up with cap stop at South Main, went into garage, took ladder and left. Officer advised he will wait until owner comes back 4:16 p.m. — Subject, Catherine Street, Milford, requested officer reference locked out of house; advised would be about 45 minutes, advised she would wait on porch 8:12 p.m. — Subject advised kids riding on hood of car on Chicago Street; officer clear May 13 8:29 a.m. — Subject complained of Doberman Pinscher with chain in her yard, Wawasee Heights, officer clear 11:34 am. — KC. alert reference stolen vehicle from Leesburg, truck gave description. loaded with aluminum and castings 2:57 p.m. — Subject found diamond ring, if anyone reports missing send to Dairy Queen 4:58 p.m. — Bremen PD for MPD, track bus was to be in their city by 4:30, Milford officer advised left approximately 30 minutes ago. Bremen PD clear May 14 8:26 a m. — Officer requested contact state highway reference chuckhole in street and alleyway by Cook’s Coin Shop; state clear 8:34 a m. — Subject reported a subject has been trying to run cars off the road on her way to school the past several momings on the Syracuse-Milford Road. Officer contacted the high school, they will take care of the matter 2:23 p.m — Subject at bank requested officer check out car on their lot 7:54 p.m. — Subject advised of five or six vehicles around Lake City Bank and First Federal, automobile drove through bank yard 8:52 p.m. — Officer advised minor hit-skip, van, make and year unknown, would show no damage May 15 8:41 a.m. — Warsaw, is Syracuse license Branch open today? Advised affirmative, until noon 11:03 a m. — Subject requested patrol while on vacation outside city limits. Advised telephone KC. gave number 1:51 p.m. — Long distance operator calling for a subject at DeFries Road, "advised her telephone KC 2:47 p.m. — Anonymous subject reported three men fishing and drinking in green boat on Dewart Lake, doesn’t believe any license 10:47 p.m. — Subject on Kanta Manyak Island reference loud party on houseboat at end of road, requested officer ask them to quiet it down May 16 9:59 a m. — Subject requested restroom be opened at park near railroad, people are using hers.

Wed., May 19,1982—THE MAIL-JOURNAL

she would like it stopped. Telephoned street department, subject there has no key, telephoned park board member, he advised subject has only key and is out of town, will take care of problem tomorrow 10:30 a.m. — Subject reported small boy lost uptown, officer clear 12:55 p.m. — Information for Kosciusko County, tornado touchdown in Rochester area 1:10 p.m. — confirmed tornado headed toward Warsaw 1:37 p.m. — Subject, 13 years old, advised if his mom reports him missing requested advise her where he is and she can call him there 2:14 p.m. — Kosciusko County, all clear on storms 7:07 p.m. — Subject on station advised house that is for sale has door knob off, anyone can walk in; Beer Realty clear May 17 7:22 a.m. — Subject with mental problems complained of prowlers, requested extra patrol

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MILFORD’S TROOP 747 — The Milford Boy Scout Troop 747 recently attended the Kosciusko County Camporee where the boys received several awards. Pictured in the front row, left to right, are Todd Wilson, Ricky Powell, Mark Evans, Jason Miller. John Goen and Alex Lozano. In the back are Carl Rouch, Associate Scoutmaster Terry Thompson. Ricky Thompson. Associate Scout Master Ron Stricklin, Mark Ray. Albert Stricklin. Clyde Amsden, Terry Richerson. and Scoutmaster John Rouch.

Milford Boy Scouts attend spring campoTee

Milford Boys Scout Troop 747 recently attended the Kosciusko County District Spring Camporee at the Tri-County Fish and Game Preserve near North Webster under the leadership of Scoutmaster John Rouch and Associate Scoutmasters Terry G. Thompson. Ron Stricklin and Max Evans The Milford troop won first place for its campsite and also for fishing-casting. In addition to the awards the group also won the travel trophy for overall points for the weekend. Ricky Thompson and Carl Cromwell teen has minor injuries Richard J. Mackensworth. 19. r 1 Cromwell, escaped with minor injuries following a one-car, highspeed rollover accident at 5 a m Saturday, May 15, on SR 15 north of CR 50. near New Paris. Mackensworth was driving south on SR 15 when he apparently fell asleep. His 1968 Ford went out of control, went off the west side of the road, crossed the highway and wens off the east side of the road, then flipped over three times, coming to a stop on its wheels. Mackensworth was taken by New Paris aidmen to Goshen Hospital where he was treated for lacerations and a leg pain. He was later released. Elkhart County Sheriff s Ptl. Charles Payne investigated.

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10:04 a.m. — Subject asked if we have seawall permit alteration applications. Advised affirmative 2:50 p.m. — Subject asked what tags a dog needs inside city limits. Advised a rabies vaccination and tax tag 7:12 p.m. — Subject advised someone just ripped air conditioner out of window and ran down alley 7:21 p.m. — Subject advised need officer at Harrison Street, someone ran in house, doesn’t know who it is; officer clear, advised probably subject he is looking for May 18 10:28 a m. — Subject, South Harrison, has sheepdog with leash requested it be picked up 2:44 p.m. — National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. 6:09 p.m. — Officer requested contact UTS reference lines down on Chicago Street by Precision, will pull off road; UTS clear

Rouch were chosen to try out for the Order of the Arrow This is considered an honor to be chosen to try out for membership into this special group of Scouts. The boys now have to pass several different tests to qualify for membership. The Boy Scouts also camped at Camp Mack where they fished and assisted in planting trees

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