Johnny Bench wins his second NL MVP in the last three years

On November 22, 1972, Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds wins his second MVP in the last three years. Bench beats out Chicago Cubs star Billy Williams, who also ran second to Bench in the 1970 MVP balloting…

Bench, hit 40 home runs and drove in 125 for the Big Red Machine and lead them into the 1972 World Series. Where they would lose a hard-fought 7 game series to the Oakland A’s. Teammate and 1972 All-Star Game MVP, and future NL MVP Joe Morgan captured 5 first-place votes.