Hall-of-Fame Catcher Johnny Bench Speaks to Termidor All Star Technicians

Bench, considered one of the greatest catchers in Major League Baseball history, congratulated all of this year’s winners and drew a parallel between being a termite technician and a baseball catcher. “You all are in charge of protecting real estate and catchers protect the most valuable real estate on a baseball diamond,” he said.

Bench’s baseball accomplishments include two MVP awards, 10 consecutive Gold Gloves, and a pair of championship rings with the 1975 and 1976 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds, also known as the “Big Red Machine.” Bench also was the 1968 National League Rookie of the Year, an honor he says helped keep him focused professionally.

“Once I got to that level I wanted to stay there and I realized I needed to keep putting the numbers on the board,” he said. “You are All Stars because you did what it takes to get here.”

Also prior to the All-Star Game, Termidor All Star Technicians attended the All-Star FanFest, which took place in Pittsburgh’s Convention Center. The event featured appearances by former and current players as well as interactive activities and historical exhibits such as life-size video batting and pitching cages, memorabilia from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and baseball trivia challenges.

This year’s All-Star Game was hotly contested, as the American League scored a pair of runs in the 9th inning to defeat the National League 3-2.