The Cincinnati Reds are mourning the death of former first baseman Todd Benzinger, a member of the 1990 World Series championship team who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 63. The organization confirmed the news on Thursday and issued a statement remembering his place in one of the franchise’s most celebrated seasons.
In an official statement posted on social media, the Reds said: “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’s lasting image for many Reds fans is the play that ended the 1990 World Series. With Cincinnati already leading the Oakland Athletics three games to none and holding a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth of Game 4, Benzinger caught a foul pop fly hit by Carney Lansford. The catch completed a four-game sweep of the heavily favoured A’s and gave the Reds their first championship since 1976. The team had led the National League West wire-to-wire that season under manager Lou Piniella, and Benzinger’s glove on the final out became a permanent part of that story.
Todd Benzinger joined the Cincinnati Reds before the 1989 season after beginning his major-league career with the Boston Red Sox. He was selected by Boston in the second round of the 1981 draft and made his big-league debut in 1987. Over three seasons in Cincinnati from 1989 to 1991, he served as a steady presence at first base. In 1989, he appeared in 161 games and led the National League in at-bats while posting career highs in home runs and RBIs.
Although his offensive numbers were more modest in the championship year, Benzinger remained part of the lineup throughout the regular season and postseason. Across a nine-year MLB career that also included time with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, Benzinger batted .257 with 66 home runs and 376 RBIs in 924 games.
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