Binger — home to baseball hero Johnny Bench

By Elaine Warner

Getting the facts about Binger, Oklahoma isn’t easy. Depending on the source you consult, current population is somewhere between 392 and 447. I’d set standard deviation at plus or minus 25 on either end. Another source says it is the 372nd largest city in Oklahoma. Anyway you figure it – Binger is definitely a small town. But a small town with a big attraction: the Johnny Bench Museum.

Situated in a former bank building, the museum shares space with Binger City Hall – you get to the museum through the door to City Hall. The museum began with a couple of cases of memorabilia in the city offices.

Wayne “Buddy” Britton grew up with Johnny Bench, Dean Crain, who played high school baseball with Bench, and Buddy’s wife, Janet, put their heads together to turn the small display into a wonderful, little museum.

Janet and Buddy got married in 1968, Johnny Bench’s first year in the major league with the Cincinnati Reds. Janet, whose dad had been a fan of the Yankees and rooted for Oklahoma’s Mickey Mantle, changed her allegiance to the Reds to cheer for the boy from Buddy’s home town.

She began collecting Johnny Bench items wherever she found them. She was teaching school and accompanied a senior trip to California. While visiting Knott’s Berry Farm (California’s first theme park), she found a small, ceramic figure of her favorite baseball player and bought it for $60. Wherever she found a bit of Benchobilia, she added it to her collection. Her years of accumulation make up a good part of the museum’s displays.

Exhibits range over decades of Johnny Bench’s life. Johnny was born in Oklahoma City but his family moved to Binger when he was four. His father loved baseball and would have loved to have a career in the sport. World War II got in the way. Bone chips in his shoulder from playing on a team during his service didn’t help. He vowed that when he married, if he had sons, he’d give them every chance he could to help them realize his dream.

He did marry – and had three sons. But only his youngest son, Johnny, made that dream come true. It became Johnny‘s dream from a very young age.

The Bench boys were raised with a strong work ethic. Johnny earned money picking cotton and working in local peanut patches as a little kid. Later, working with his dad, he delivered propane tanks, driving the truck when he was just 15. He built his muscles with hard labor – no fancy gym for him.

He told every one he was going to be a major league baseball player. During his early school years, people laughed when he said that. A nine-inch growth spurt between 8th grade and high school stopped the laughter.

The museum has several exhibits from Bench’s high school years. He pitched his junior year baseball team to a state championship and the next year helped the basketball team to the state finals where they were defeated. Bench graduated in 1965 as class valedictorian.

Bench was 17 when he graduated – and was recruited by the Cincinnati staff right out of high school. He was sent to the Buffalo Bisons, a Reds farm team..

August 28, 1967, at the age of 19, Johnny Bench made his debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He was named 1968 Rookie of the Year*. That was just the first of many accolades earned by him.

He spent his entire major league career -- 19671983 -- with the Reds. During that time he played in 14 All-Star games, helped his team to two World Series championships, was named World Series MVP in 1976, won ten Golden Gloves, was the youngest player ever to win the National League Most valuable Player (an award he won twice), and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown the first year he was eligible.

In addition to learning all these facts in the museum, you’ll see some very special artifacts. Among these are a number of bats he used in All-Star games and two of his Golden Glove trophies. Also on display, donated by teammate Dean Crain, are two of the bats used in the high school championship game.

The most unusual exhibit is the gray, pin-striped suit Johnny wore at his induction ceremony at the Baseball Hall of Fame. What makes that unusual? If you look closely, you can see that the thin, red stripe is actually made up of letters spelling “Johnny Bench.” Nearby is a small record player with a 45 rpm record called “From Binger to Cooperstown” sung by rock and roll singer Tom Steele.

In addition to biographical displays, cases contain promotional materials and samples of products with Bench’s image on them including a classic Wheaties box. Posters and artistic prints cover the walls – one done by LeRoy Neiman.

A trip to Binger from Edmond will take about an hour and a half. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s definitely worth the trip.

If you’re wondering why Bench was Rookie of the Year in 1968 instead of 1967, Ross Porter, native Oklahoman and former Edmondite, former announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and longtime friend, explained it to me. He told me, “The rules then stated that a player had more than 130 atbats over 45 days on a major league roster, he was considered a rookie. In 1967, Johnny had only 86 atbats and played in just 28 games after being called up from the minor leagues late in August.” It was Porter’s hour-long interview with Johnny Bench that piqued my interest in the museum. You can watch this interview by going to YouTube and searching for Ross Porter Johnny Bench.

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Jan. 26

Kylie Jean Hogard, 21 of Yukon. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Ernesto Hernandez, 29 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child) and failure to appear.

Tyler Jon Wennersten, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Amy Kristine Reymolds, 39 of Edmond. Petit larceny, non-assault resisting officer, public intoxication and five counts of failure to appear.

Anthony Donte Williams, 27 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jan. 27

Kristi Jean Meierhoff , 41 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Jimmy Frank Hines, 63 of Guthrie. Possession CDS and two misdemeanor warrants.

Tiffany Nichole Toole, 46 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Abigail Elaine Johnson, 27 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Jan. 28

Javiar Guadalupe, 41 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of police officer and felony DUI/APC,

Robbie Renee Burnette, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication and breaking & entering.

Darious Oneil Jackson, 27 of Del City. Possess firearm after conviction of felony and public intoxication.

Philemon Carleka Randle, 36 of Edmond. Felony warrant, failure to appear, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jacob Allen Falter, 36 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Harold Lynn Chapman, 60 of Wichita, Kan. Obstruction of police officer, conspiracy and grand larceny.

Miquel Jay Retiz, 27 of Wichita, Kan. Public intoxication, obstruction of police officer, eluding police officer (misdemeanor), conspiracy and grand larceny.

Jan. 29

Terry Don Hinkle, 50 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and transport open container or intoxicating beverage or beer.

Destin Daquan Metoyer, 27 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Tylenn Lamorris Evans, 26 homeless. Destroying evidence, possess CDS, use firearm while committing a felony, possess with intent to distribute CDS and driving with license, canceled, suspended or revoked.

Blake Murphy Barron, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and malicious injury or destruction of property.

Princess Jacklon Nicole Spencer, 21 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Trevion Marquel Collins, 24, of Oklahoma City. expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and three counts of failure to appear.

Jacob Thomas Craig, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Toni Dale Mines, 45 homeless. Public intoxication and non-assault resisting officer, William Howard Thurman Jr., 55 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Wilda Leona Williams, 63 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Jan. 30

Forest Raine Ryan, 30 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Charles Vernon Griffis, 36 of Oklahoma City. Three misdemeanor warrants, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Jan. 31

Alton Duane Giese Jr., 41 of Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC.

Charles Eugene Mumford, 47 of Edmond. Trafficking in illegal drugs, possess drug paraphernalia, obstruction of police officer and public information.

Feb. 1

Bronson Dean Blackburn, 32 homeless. Public intoxication.

Kerry Floyd Walton, 56 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Natalie Rae Rich, 44 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Fayth Destiny Kimbrell, 25 of Piedmont. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dewayne Demario Roberson, 29 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and reckless driving.

Clinton Robert, 29 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and trespassing after being warned.

Tina Marie Thomas, 60 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.

Steven Ray Friday, 51 of Midwest City. Assault or assault & battery, use of firearm while committing a felony, possess firearm after conviction of felony and assault & battery with a deadly weapon.

Feb. 2

Kristofer Newman Knoerzer, 34 of Marshall, Texas. Public intoxication and a felony warrant.

Leann Nixie, 38 homeless. Possession of marijuana, false representation to an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia,.

Jamie Dawn Novakowski, 37 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor warrant.

Aaron Donnell Eversole, 28 of McLoud. (Misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise of retailer and (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception.

Feb. 3

Abigail Rose Graham, 19 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or above.

Joshua William Trotter Fields, 47 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.

Trevor Lowell Jones, 29 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) and (misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault in the presence of a minor child.

Walter Jerome Funches Jr., 42 homeless. Non-as- sault resisting officer.

Rickey Paul Gissandanner, 60 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag over three months, felony warrant, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Joe Benjamin Rosenhamer, 44 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jacob Thomas Northenor, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI/APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Feb. 4

Dawne Amber Morrison, 42 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor 1sr & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Caleb Scott Lance, 23, of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more,.

Darion Thyontae Smiley, 33 of Oklahoma City. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Taylor Ray Hopper, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

James Kalvin Owens, 46 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Emma Lorraine Carmona, 25 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 42 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and possession of marijuana.

Nicolas Xavier Christensen, 24 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Torre Owen Parcel-Bruce, 36 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Fernando Raul Silva, 25 of Cashion. Misdemeanor warrant.

Michael Lynn Webb, 44 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Kendra Leanne Hunt, 36 of Shawnee. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Feb. 5

Patrick Thomas Varesi, 55 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Eric Todd Watkins, 33 of Reed Springs, Mo. False representation to an officer.

Leonard Linton Jackson, Jr., 32 of Moore. Felony DUI/APC.

Dezjuan Vonte Jackson, 32 of Frisco, Texas. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Janson Shea’len Sharp, 20 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, expired tag over three months and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Jason Daniel Simon, 40 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Krystal Deeann Fischer, 40 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Travel Bolden, 51 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Jennifer Lynn Geimausaddle, 34 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Victor Leo Martinez, 37 of Oklahoma City, No proof of insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Hope McDowell Lambert, 36 of Edmond. Assault and assault & battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff. Public intoxication.

Weekend calendar, Feb. 16-19

What’s Happening This Weekend Feb 16-19

In the Gallery

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Indoor Winter Market

February at the UCO Jazz Lab

February Events at Frenzy

Live Music at Round Midnight

All-Star & Lazy E Arena Team Roping

Clue! at the Cowboy

Signature Tour

Read the West Book Club: Killers of the Flower Moon

OKC Broadway presents: Jesus Christ Superstar

Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River

RV Super Show

Extra Info: Featuring the art of Brad McNeill; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Indoor Winter Market Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

February at the UCO Jazz Lab

Location: UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16; ---- Sun, Feb 19: Bonnie & Clyde: A New Musical; ucojazzlab.com

February Events at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16; The Brave Amigos; 7 p.m.; Fri, Feb 17; Kris Strobeck; 8 p.m.; Sat, Feb 18; Christian Schafer; 7 p.m.; Free; frenzybrewing.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Feb 17: Vintage Vinyl; Sat, Feb 18: SavoyTrio; 7 – 10 p.m.; $60 ---- $75; simpletix.com

All-Star & Lazy E Arena

Team Roping

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Feb 17 – Sun, Feb 19; lazye.com

Clue! at the Cowboy

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Feb 17; 7 – 9 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Feb 18 – Sun, Feb 19; 1 to 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

See Events, Page 13