An associate of general manager Bob Howsam, Bender was Cincinnati's farm system director of the "Big Red Machine" era and served in that post for 22 years, 1967–88.
His system produced such players as Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepción, Don Gullett, Eric Davis and Paul O'Neill.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri,[1] Bender served in the United States Navy during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart,[2] having been wounded in an attack on a fortified Japanese position in New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands.
"He had a vitally important role on every major decision made under Howsam", said longtime Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman upon Bender's death.
In 2008, Minor League Baseball (MiLB) began presenting the annual Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award to a person with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.