Todd Benzinger, Reds’ 1990 World Series Hero, Dies at 63

WHO:

Daily Mail Sports - Todd Benzinger was a Cincinnati Reds player and a World Series champion.

Boston.com - Benzinger began his Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox and also played for the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants.

MLB.com - Benzinger was a former first baseman and a 1990 World Series champion with the Reds. He was 63 when he died.

MLB.com - Reds Hall of Fame Museum executive director Rick Walls said Benzinger remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a friend to the museum.

MLB.com - Benzinger was born in Dayton, Kentucky, and graduated from New Richmond High School in New Richmond, Ohio.

MLB.com - After his playing career, Benzinger managed Class A Dayton and remained active in youth baseball, coaching, and mentoring young players in New Richmond.

WHAT:

Fox News - Benzinger finished his nine-year Major League career with a .257 batting average, 733 hits, and 376 RBIs across 924 games.

Fox News - The Reds traded Benzinger to the Kansas City Royals in 1991.

NY Post - Todd Benzinger’s cause of death had not been announced.

NY Post - Reds teammate Barry Larkin said Benzinger’s death came as a “shock.”

Daily Mail Sports - The Reds said Benzinger “will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history.”

MLB.com - The Reds announced Benzinger’s death and said he was a key contributor to their 1990 championship season.

MLB.com - Benzinger caught the final out of the 1990 World Series.

MLB.com - Walls said: “We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community.”

MLB.com - Benzinger supported the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and Reds Community Fund, and regularly participated in the Reds Caravan, Reds Fantasy Camp, Reds Legends Remember program, and Redsfest.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Benzinger was born in Dayton, Kentucky, graduated from high school in New Richmond, Ohio, and remained in New Richmond.

WHEN:

Fox News - Benzinger caught the game-ending out against the Oakland Athletics on Oct. 20, 1990.

Fox News - Benzinger retired after the 1995 season.

MLB.com - Benzinger played three seasons with Cincinnati, from 1989 to 1991.

Boston.com - Benzinger made his major-league debut with Boston in 1987.

MLB.com - The Red Sox selected Benzinger in the second round of the 1981 draft; the Reds acquired him before the 1989 season.

MLB.com - Benzinger managed Class A Dayton from 2009 to 2010.

HOW:

MLB.com - The Reds described Benzinger’s connection to the community through his volunteer participation, time with fans, and youth baseball coaching and mentoring.

Todd Benzinger, the former Cincinnati Reds first baseman who caught the final out of the 1990 World Series, has died at 63. The Reds said he was a key contributor to their championship season and would be remembered with affection and gratitude. His cause of death has not been announced. Benzinger began his major-league career with the Boston Red Sox, then played for the Reds, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Across nine seasons, he hit .257, with 733 hits and 376 runs batted in. After retiring, Benzinger managed Class A Dayton and stayed involved in youth baseball, coaching and mentoring young players in New Richmond, Ohio. He also supported the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and regularly took part in team events. Museum director Rick Walls remembered his kindness, friendship and lasting presence in the Cincinnati community.