Johnny Bench, considered by most baseball fans to be the greatest catcher to ever play the game, has agreed to speak at the World Series kickoff celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Ralph Benson Memorial Gym at Lawrence County High School.

Bench’s appearance will immediately follow a banquet for the World Series players, coaches and officials sponsored by First Farmers & Merchants Bank in the LCHS cafeteria.

Tickets for Bench’s presentation at 7:30 p.m. are $20 and can be obtained at the many World Series ticket outlets or by calling (931) 762-9767, (931) 762-1975, or (931) 766-0478 during normal weekday business hours.