LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Personal memories of Hall of Fame member Johnny Bench’s career have been auctioned for just $2 million.
The sale, which concerned live and online auctions, ended Saturday at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Kentucky, not far from where Bench was an All-Star 14 times for the Cincinnati Reds in his 17-year career in the primary league.
David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions, said the auction exceeded pre-sale estimates.
Bench’s 1976 World Series ring and trophy sold for $146,875 each; the 1975 World Series ring, $135,125 and the Big Red Machine-named trophy sold that year for $88,125.
Bench’s badge for being the National League’s Most Valuable Player of 1970 was purchased for $135,125 and his 1983 Reds home jersey sold for $105,750.
Bench, who converts in December, told The Associated Press last month that he plans to use auction proceeds to fund his youngest children’s college education. He lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his 30-year-old son Bobby and son Justin. , 14, and Josh, 11, of Bench’s fourth marriage.
“The memories are still there. I’m still the Most Valuable Player,” Bench told the AP. “I am blessed with what I have and with my life. “
The auction was held through the same Pennsylvania company that recently sold the memories of Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully, who raised more than $2 million.
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