CINCINNATI — Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Todd Benzinger, whose catch secured the final out of the team's 1990 World Series championship, has died at the age of 63. The Reds announced his passing Thursday, remembering a player whose connection to the organization and its fans continued long after his playing career ended.
For Cincinnati fans, Benzinger will always be associated with October 20, 1990. With the Reds leading the Oakland Athletics 2-1 in Game 4 of the World Series, reliever Randy Myers induced a foul pop-up from Carney Lansford. Benzinger made the catch in foul territory behind first base, completing Cincinnati's four-game sweep and setting off a celebration that Reds fans still remember 36 years later.
Benzinger played for Cincinnati from 1989 through 1991 after beginning his major league career with the Boston Red Sox in 1987. Originally selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 1981 MLB Draft, he went on to play nine seasons in the majors, including stops with Kansas City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Born in Dayton, Kentucky, Benzinger grew up in the Cincinnati area and graduated from New Richmond High School in Ohio. Following his playing career, he managed the Dayton Dragons in 2009 and 2010 and spent time working with young baseball players in the community.
He also remained involved with the Reds organization, regularly participating in fan events, baseball camps, and activities supporting the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. His willingness to spend time with fans helped maintain a connection with the city that went well beyond his championship-winning catch.
Benzinger's place in Reds history was secured the moment he squeezed that final pop-up in Oakland. But his involvement with Cincinnati baseball continued for decades afterward, leaving memories for generations of fans who knew him both as a World Series champion and as a familiar face around the ballpark. He will be sorely missed.
