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.
A Cincinnati-area native, Benzinger was drafted out of high school 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 came on Oct. 20, 1990, when he caught the game-ending out in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics, securing Cincinnati’s most recent title.
The Reds posted on X:
“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.”
Todd Benzinger of the Cincinnati Reds prepares to bat against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, Calif., circa 1989. (Getty Images)
The Reds traded Benzinger to the Kansas City Royals in 1991. He retired after the 1995 season, finishing a nine-year major league career with a .257 batting average, 733 hits, and 376 RBIs over 924 games.
Benzinger stayed active in local baseball after his playing days, managing Cincinnati’s Class-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons, from 2009 to 2010.
“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,” said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
The 1990 Cincinnati Reds pose for a team photo at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)
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“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.”
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For Reds fans, Benzinger’s glove reaching into the foul territory at the Oakland Coliseum remains the definitive image of Cincinnati’s crowning baseball moment.
Todd Benzinger of the Cincinnati Reds during the 1990 World Series against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. (Sporting News via Getty Images)
Rest in Peace.
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