Todd Benzinger, Reds World Series Champion, Dies at 63

Todd Benzinger, a pivotal member of the Cincinnati Reds' 1990 World Series championship team, died Wednesday at the age of 63. The team announced his passing, and his cause of death has not yet been released.

Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, remembered Benzinger not only for his iconic moment in the 1990 World Series but also for his continued connection to the Cincinnati community. "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," Walls said in a statement. "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."

Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin, a former Reds teammate, expressed shock at Benzinger's death. "I saw him at an event this past summer in Cincinnati and he looked good. It’s kind of a shock out of nowhere," Larkin told MLB.com. "I know he’s got some young kids, so I feel really bad for his family."

A native of the Cincinnati area, Benzinger began his professional career after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of high school in 1981. He played two seasons with Boston before being traded to his hometown Reds during the 1988 offseason. Benzinger played parts of three seasons with the Reds before being traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1991.

His most memorable moment with the Reds occurred in Game 4 of the 1990 World Series when he caught the final out to secure the franchise's most recent championship.

Over his nine-year Major League Baseball career, Benzinger recorded a .257 batting average with a .301 on-base percentage and a .386 slugging percentage, accumulating 733 hits and 376 RBIs in 924 games.

Following his retirement from playing in 1995, Benzinger remained involved with the Reds organization. He managed the Dayton Dragons, the Reds' High-A affiliate, from 2009 to 2010. Larkin described Benzinger as a "super nice guy," a "hard worker," and a "steady, consistent contributor."