Todd Benzinger, a Cincinnati Reds first baseman and 1990 World Series champion, died at 63. He is remembered for catching the final out of the Reds’ last championship in 1990.
Todd Benzinger, a Cincinnati Reds first baseman and 1990 World Series champion, died at 63. The team announced his passing on October 22, 2026, with a statement honoring his legacy. Benzinger, born in Dayton, Kentucky, was part of the Reds’ historic 1990 championship team, which swept the Oakland Athletics in four games. His most iconic moment came on October 20, 1990, when he caught Carney Lansford’s popup for the final out of Game 4, securing the Reds’ fifth World Series title.
The 1990 World Series Moment
Benzinger’s role in the 1990 World Series remains his defining legacy. As a right-handed-hitting first baseman, he platooned with Hal Morris and was a key contributor to the team’s success. The Reds, led by manager Lou Piniella, dominated the Athletics in a four-game sweep, marking their first championship since 1976. Benzinger’s final out—a foul popup caught behind first base—was immortalized by announcer Marty Brennaman’s call on 700 WLW.
Former Reds 1B, World Series champ Todd Benzinger dies at 63 https://t.co/GeEhmi6b5z via @usatoday
I saw him at an event this past summer in Cincinnati and he looked good.
It's kind of a shock out of nowhere,
said Hall of Fame shortstop and team broadcaster Barry Larkin, Benzinger’s teammate for three seasons. Larkin described him as a super nice guy
and a steady, consistent contributor.
Benzinger’s 1990 World Series victory came after a stint with the Reds from 1989 to 1991. During that time, he hit .241 with 23 home runs and 133 RBIs. In 1990, he batted .253 in 118 games, making 90 starts. The Reds finished first in the National League West and went on to win the World Series in a four-game sweep of the heavily favored Athletics.
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… pic.twitter.com/h3P6UWTNn1
Benzinger’s career spanned nine seasons, from 1987 to 1995, with stints for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 1981 amateur draft and made his MLB debut with Boston in 1987. After two seasons with the Red Sox, he was traded to the Reds in December 1988 in a deal that sent Nick Esasky to Boston. The trade was described by Reds general manager Murray Cook as providing doggone good balance
with Benzinger’s ability to play first base and right field.
Late Career and Community Involvement
After his playing career, Benzinger remained connected to the Reds organization. He managed the Class A Dayton Dragons from 2009 to 2010 and frequently attended Reds events, including Redsfest and the Reds Caravan.
Very sad news to share: 1990 Cincinnati Reds World Champion Todd Benzinger passed away at the age of 63, @WLWT has learned.The New Richmond H.S. grad caught the final out of the ‘90 World Series, made Cincinnati his home, and was very involved with Reds community events. RIP. pic.twitter.com/CZai9c795k
Benzinger played for the Red Sox, Royals, Dodgers, and Giants over nine seasons, ending his career after the 1995 season. He finished his career with a .257 batting average, 66 home runs, and 376 RBIs. Despite his tenure with the Reds (1989–1991), his 1990 championship role cemented his place in franchise history. The cause of his death remains undisclosed, but the Reds and fans alike mourn the loss of a beloved figure.
Benzinger’s post-playing career included coaching. He coached girls’ basketball at Loveland High School from 2006 to 2008 and served as a high school baseball coach. His son, Grant, played basketball at Wright State.
His career with the Reds included joining the team in 1989, hitting .245 with career highs of 17 home runs and 76 RBIs. The Reds’ 1990 team featured stars like Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, José Rijo, and Eric Davis. Benzinger’s role as a platoon player with Hal Morris allowed the team to maintain flexibility, and he was a consistent presence in the lineup. After the 1991 season, the Reds traded him to the Kansas City Royals for Carmelo Martinez.
Legacy and Final Years
Benzinger’s legacy extends beyond his playing days. He remained a fixture at Reds events, including the 25th-anniversary celebration of the 1990 World Series championship in 2015, where he shook hands with Ron Oester. Fans shared heartfelt tributes, recalling his kindness and presence. One supporter wrote, He came to some event my sister was invited to. I was in first grade, I don’t remember what it was. But I do remember freaking out that I got to meet a real Cincinnati Reds player.
His connection to the Reds community was deep. He participated in the Reds Futures High School Showcase and was a regular at Reds Caravan and Reds Fantasy Camp. Benzinger also contributed to the Reds Community Fund, as noted in the team’s statement.
Benzinger’s final years saw him remain active in the Cincinnati area. He was often seen at youth baseball events and continued to support local teams. His passing left a void in the community, with fans and former teammates expressing their grief. He was a steady, consistent contributor. There was no craziness about him. He fit in well with the team. Just a really good, solid guy,
Larkin recalled.
Fans and teammates alike will remember him not only for the final out of the 1990 World Series but also for his dedication to the game and the community. Benzinger’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the Reds and the lasting memories he created with fans.
More on Todd Benzinger
CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds are saddened by the passing of former first baseman and 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger, who died yesterday at the age of 63.Benzinger played three seasons with the Reds from 1989-91 and was a key contributor during the 1990… pic.twitter.com/Q6wXlZtanw
Todd Benzinger handled the final TWO outs of the 1990 World Series: first receiving Chris Sabo’s throw to retire José Canseco, then catching Carney Lansford’s foul pop-up. That last inning put him at the centre of Reds history.https://t.co/GXCJhJnnYl
Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Todd Benzinger, a member of the club's 1990 World Series championship team, has died at 63.Benzinger caught the final out as Cincinnati completed its historic four-game sweep of Oakland. He played 924 major league games across nine seasons,…