Todd Benzinger, Reds' 1990 World Series Champion, Dies at 63
The former first baseman who caught the final out of Cincinnati's most recent title passed away Wednesday.
Todd Benzinger, the first baseman who caught the final out of the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep, died Wednesday at age 63. His cause of death has not been released.
Benzinger, a Cincinnati-area native, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1981. After two seasons in Boston, he was traded to his hometown Reds ahead of the 1989 season. His defining career moment occurred on Oct. 20, 1990, when he caught a game-ending out in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics, securing Cincinnati's most recent championship.
The Cincinnati Reds organization expressed its sadness on X, formerly Twitter:
"The Cincinnati Reds are saddened by the passing of former first baseman and 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger. Todd will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, former teammates and all who knew and loved him."
The Reds traded Benzinger to the Kansas City Royals in 1991. He retired after the 1995 season, concluding a nine-year major league career with a .257 batting average, 733 hits, and 376 RBIs over 924 games.
Following his playing career, Benzinger remained involved in baseball, managing Cincinnati's Class-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons, from 2009 to 2010.
Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, remembered Benzinger, stating, "Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, but those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember so much more. Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, generously participating in our events and sharing his time with fans. We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community."
For many Reds fans, Benzinger's catch in foul territory at the Oakland Coliseum remains a vivid image of that championship season.
