The final image of Cincinnati’s 1990 championship remains fixed in Reds history: Todd Benzinger drifting into foul ground beyond first base and squeezing Carney Lansford’s pop fly to finish the World Series. Benzinger, the local product who made that catch, died Wednesday at 63.
The Reds announced his death Thursday. No cause was disclosed.
Quick facts
- Benzinger was born in Dayton, Kentucky, and grew up in New Richmond, Ohio.
- He played nine Major League seasons from 1987 through 1995.
- His clubs included the Red Sox, Reds, Royals, Dodgers and Giants.
- He was Cincinnati’s right-handed first-base option alongside Hal Morris from 1989-91.
- After his playing days, he managed Dayton, then Cincinnati’s Single-A club, in 2009 and 2010.
A fourth-round Boston selection in the 1981 MLB Draft, Benzinger reached the majors in 1987 and carved out a career as a steady first baseman. His most enduring stop came with the Reds, the hometown club he joined for three seasons.
The 1990 Reds led the National League West from opening day through the finish, then stunned the favored Oakland Athletics with a four-game Series sweep. In Game 4 on Oct. 20, Benzinger secured the final out, and Cincinnati has not won another World Series since.
Barry Larkin, Benzinger’s teammate during those Cincinnati seasons, said the news came unexpectedly after seeing him at a local event during the summer. Larkin also noted that Benzinger leaves young children and said his thoughts were with the family.
Larkin remembered Benzinger as a quiet, dependable teammate who worked hard, avoided attention and brought a consistent presence to the clubhouse. “He was a really good, solid guy,” Larkin said.
Benzinger stayed in the Reds family well beyond his final big-league season. He appeared regularly at Reds Caravan, Redsfest, fantasy camp and Hall of Fame programs, remaining a familiar face for fans around Cincinnati.
He also kept working in the game at the youth level after managing in Dayton. His connection to the region went far beyond a single October catch, even if that play will always be the one Reds fans see first.
Reds Hall of Fame Museum executive director Rick Walls said Benzinger’s final out will remain part of the club’s championship lore, but stressed that friends will remember his generosity with fans and his commitment to the community. Walls said the museum will miss Benzinger’s friendship, kindness and regular presence.
