Auction winner donating Johnny Bench memorabilia back to Reds legend

Several personal items belonging to Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench, including his 1975 and 1976 World Series rings, are being returned to the Hall of Fame catcher after they were sold at auction.

Alan Horwitz, a longtime friend of Bench and a well-known Philadelphia 76ers fan who sits courtside at games, was the winning bidder on over $1 million worth of Bench memorabilia last month, according to The Associated Press.

In addition to Bench's World Series rings, Horwitz purchased his 1970 and 1972 National League MVP awards, 1968 NL Rookie of the Year award, 1969 All-Star Game bat, and several of his Gold Glove awards.

The auction, which was held in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 14, totaled just under $2 million in sales. Bench stated in October that he planned to use the proceeds to fund his youngest sons' college educations.

Bench and his family have offered the items purchased by Horwitz for display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, and several other locations.

"I am truly stunned by Alan's generous gesture and am grateful and proud that these trophies and memorabilia pieces will be on display for millions of fans to experience," Bench said. "Alan's only request was to meet my boys, which will happen as soon as we can resume safe travel."