Todd Benzinger, the first baseman who caught the final out in the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series victory, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 63. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Benzinger, a native of the Cincinnati area, was selected by the Boston Red Sox after high school in 1981. He played two seasons in Boston before being traded back to his hometown Reds just before the 1989 season. His standout moment came on October 20, 1990, when he caught the last out in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics, clinching the Reds’ most recent championship.
The Reds shared their condolences on social media:
“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.”
Benzinger was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1991 and hung up his cleats after the 1995 season. Over a nine-year major league career, he registered a .257 batting average with 733 hits and 376 RBIs across 924 games.
Even after retiring, Benzinger remained connected to local baseball, serving as the manager of the Dayton Dragons, Cincinnati’s Class-A affiliate, 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,” commented Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
Benzinger kept close ties with the Cincinnati community, actively participating in events for the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and engaging with fans. The Reds expressed that they would miss his kindness, friendship, and community presence.
For many Reds fans, the image of Benzinger’s glove reaching into foul territory at the Oakland Coliseum is the defining moment of Cincinnati’s baseball triumph.
Rest in Peace.
