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Johnny Bench signs baseballs for members of the Boys Town High School baseball team during a visit to Boys Town. |
Johnny Bench Inspires Students for Success
Johnny Bench, a Hall of Fame catcher who has been to the World Series four times and broken numerous records during a 17-season All-Star career with the Cincinnati Reds, says a young Boys Town Wegner School student was the first person to ever ask him one of the best questions he’s ever had the opportunity to answer.
“What are you most proud of?”
The question, Bench says, is something everyone should ask themselves every day.
“I’m proud of the man I am on a daily basis,” said Bench. “Being able to look yourself in the mirror and know that you are the best person you can be is a very important thing.”
Visiting Boys Town in preparation for the 2006 Boys Town Boosters Banquet, Bench spoke to a crowd of young students, teachers and staff. Bench said he was proud to finally see for himself the home founded by Father Flanagan and meet the children learning important life skills.
“The skills you learn here are very important,” said Bench. “Think about what you want to do with your life, then study and learn as much as you can to help yourself grow to be what you want to be.”
Born and raised in the small town of Binger, Okla., Bench began his career in major league baseball at the age of 17, when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1965. Over the course of a 17-season career, Bench was honored with National League Rookie of the Year (1968), National League Most Valuable Players (1970 and 1972), World Series MVP (1976), 14-time All-Star, and 10 Gold Gloves. In 1980, Bench set an endurance record by catching 100 or more games for 13 consecutive seasons. In 1999 Johnny received baseball's esteemed honor of selection to the All Century Team. He is often called the best catcher in the history of baseball.
“It makes no difference where you came from, how small your town was, or where your lives were. With dedication, education and a focus in life, you can succeed,” said Bench.
Youth being honored for their athletic achievements at the Boosters Banquet say those are the same words being taught to them by their Boys Town coaches and teachers.
“Athletics and my coaches have taught me skills, on and off the basketball court, that I’ll be able to use the rest of my life,” said Vince Marshall, Mayor of the Village of Boys Town. Marshall was honored with Most Outstanding Boys Basketball Player and Most Outstanding Male Athlete awards.
Jennifer Ekstrom, Vice Mayor of the Village of Boys Town, also received several awards for her athletic success. “I never considered going out for sports until I came to Boys Town,” said Ekstrom. “But my Family-Teachers and coaches gave me the encouragement and skills to make me successful.” Ekstrom was honored with Most Outstanding Athlete in both volleyball and girls track, and also earned the prestigious Character Counts Pursuing Victory with Honor Award for a female athlete.
Perhaps the most fitting words of the Booster Banquet came from a student athlete who earned the Most Dedicated Athlete award in wrestling, who quoted one of the greatest coaches of all time.
“I’d like to quote Vince Lombardi,” said Emir. “‘ If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done. Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It's something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.’”
“I would like to say to everyone,” the student continued, “that we should try and pay the price, try to give up the little things in life. To make commitments for the power of the heart. It is hard work, but it’s worth it.”
Four alumni were also inducted into the organization’s Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. Charles Deacon Jones and Wilburn Hollis accepted their awards for athletic achievement. Leonard Kroll and Jimmy Mitchell earned the honors posthumously.
Johnny Bench assisted Father Steven Boes, Boys Town Executive Director, and Brent Robinson, Athletic Director, in handing out the evening awards.
“The students here are inspiring,” said Bench. “I enjoyed my visit to Boys Town and hope these young people continue to work hard every day to do their best and succeed at whatever they try to do in life.”
