JOHNNY BENCH – 2002 MWWL HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Mid-West Winter League Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Johnny Bench:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my esteemed honor as Commissioner of the Mid-West Winter League, to welcome you to this momentous occasion. Today, we gather not just to celebrate athleticism and skill, but to enshrine a legend who embodies the very spirit of baseball.
Let’s give a thunderous round of applause for the newest inductee into the illustrious Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame – Mr. Johnny Bench ! (Crowd roars)
Johnny Bench. The name alone evokes images of power, grace, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey through the MWWL, spanning from Rushcreek to Delco, Berryhill, Hollywood, and finally Gold River, is a testament to his enduring passion for the game. (Looks towards Bench)
Johnny, looking at your record here – those two Most Valuable Player Awards, the Eight Time All-Star selections, the Seven Gold Gloves – it’s clear you weren’t just playing baseball; you were dominating it. You brought the fire of a major league champion to the franchises you played for, and most nights, inspired teammates and electrified fans.
But beyond the stats, beyond the accolades, you were a leader, a force of nature behind the plate, and a true ambassador for the sport. You showed us what it meant to play with heart, with grit, and with an unwavering love for the game. Also, will there ever be another individual as genuine as yourself? (Pauses, letting the impact sink in)
The Mid-West Winter League has a rich history, filled with talented players who graced our diamonds. But some, like Johnny, leave an indelible mark. They become synonymous with excellence, with dedication, and with the spirit of competition that defines this league.
Today, we recognize Johnny Bench not just for what he did on the field, but for who he is as a person. A champion. A leader. An icon.
So, without further ado, it is with immense pride that I officially induct Johnny Bench into the Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame, Class of 2002.
Welcome home, legend!
(Standing at the podium, Johnny Bench smiles warmly at the crowd)
Wow. Just wow. To be standing here today, honored by the Mid-West Winter League & now becoming a Mid-West Winter League Hall of Famer, is truly something special. You know folks, they say you never forget your roots. And for me, the Mid-West Winter League was a big part of mine. (Pauses, looking around)
Rushcreek, Delco, Berryhill, Hollywood, Gold River… these names take me back. Back to those humid summer nights, the smell of the grass (or sometimes the grass coming from the crowd!), the sound of the ball cracking off the bat, or the ball popping in my glove. The times I spent squatting behind the plate or standing to the side of it, made memories for me that will last a lifetime, I hope they do the same for you. (Gestures to the audience)
I see some familiar faces out there – teammates, coaches, even a few umpires who maybe weren’t always my biggest fans back then! (Winks) But seriously, to all of you who shared those years with me, thank you. Thank you for the competition, the camaraderie, and the memories that as I stated will last me, a lifetime. (Clears throat, getting a bit emotional)
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family. Mom and Dad, thank you for instilling in me the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. You were always there, driving me to games, cheering me on, and picking me up when I struck out – which, believe it or not, did happen occasionally!. 
(Smiles)
To my fellow Hall of Famers – (Turns around slightly to see a few of the MWWL Hall of Famers on each side) Jim Palmer, Steve Carlton, Rod Carew, Seaver, Schmidtty, Parker, Boggs, Ryan, Brett – thanks for believing in me, pushing me to be better, and teaching me the finer points of the game. You guys helped shape me not only as a player but as a person.
And to the owners of those Mid-West Winter League teams, thank you for giving guys like me a chance to play, to compete, to chase our dreams, and to be part of your franchises. You all have created something special here in the Mid-West Winter League, and I’m proud to have been a part of it. (Looks out at the crowd again)
This Hall of Fame induction is a tremendous honor, and I’m deeply grateful. But you know what means even more to me? The lessons I learned, the love of baseball, and the friendships I forged, were nurtured right here in the Mid-West Winter League. I’m honored to have been a part of it.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.