Hillerich & Bradsby model B278, from the 1974 season, exhibits evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack that has been repaired.  Many ball marks are visible on the left and back barrel.  Green and red bat rack streaks can be seen on all sides of the barrel.  There is a heavy coat of pine tar on the handle.  The model number (B278) is stamped into the knob. A Johnny Bench signature and the added inscription ‘HOF 89’ are on the front barrel in black marker. The autograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and their Letter of Authenticity accompanied the bat.
An interesting feature of the Johnny Bench professional model bat is the oversized center brand and “Powerized” which was used mainly on bats for some players produced for the 1974 World Series. The idea was to provide greater visibility to the Louisville Slugger center brand during close-ups of the players at bat.

In this case, we have a bat of a player whose team did not play in the World Series. It’s our opinion, prior to the World Series, several of Louisville’s top endorsers, of which Bench was one, were sent bats with the oversized barrel brands to get the players opinions. A similar program was used by Louisville Slugger in 2004 and 2013 when a few different combinations of large and small lettering as well as laser engraved lettering, was used for the upper barrel brand. The 2013 experiment lasted 1 season. The bat has been graded a PSA GU10. A great bat of the Hall of Fame catcher!
The bat is accompanied by a PSA Letter of Authenticity.