Todd Benzinger, the first baseman who caught the final out of the Cincinnati Reds' 1990 World Series sweep, has died at the age of 63. The cause of his death has not been released.
Benzinger was a native of the Cincinnati area and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of high school in 1981. He spent two seasons with the Red Sox before being traded to the Reds in 1989. His most notable moment came on October 20, 1990, when he caught the game-ending out in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics, securing the Reds' most recent World Series title.
The Reds organization has expressed its condolences, stating that Benzinger will be remembered for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history. The team's social media account posted a tribute to Benzinger, noting that he would be remembered with great affection and gratitude. Benzinger played nine seasons in the major leagues, finishing with a .257 batting average, 733 hits, and 376 RBIs over 924 games.
After his playing career, Benzinger remained active in local baseball, managing the Dayton Dragons, the Reds' Class-A affiliate, from 2009 to 2010. Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, described Benzinger as a close friend to the community and a generous participant in events and activities.
Benzinger's legacy will be remembered by Reds fans for his iconic catch in the 1990 World Series, but those who knew him personally will remember his kindness and friendship.
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