Todd Benzinger, the former Cincinnati Reds first baseman who caught the final out of the 1990 World Series, died Wednesday at age 63, according to MLB.com. Benzinger spent three seasons with the Reds and remained a visible figure in the Cincinnati baseball community long after his playing days ended.
News of Benzinger’s death drew tributes from the Reds organization, which honored his lasting connection to the franchise that won the 1990 championship in a wire-to-wire season.
The Main Development
Benzinger died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2026, according to MLB.com. He was a member of the Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team and is remembered most for catching the final out that clinched the title.
Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, said in a statement that Benzinger’s connection to Cincinnati went far beyond that single moment.
“Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, but those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember so much more,” Walls said. “Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, generously participating in our events and sharing his time with fans. We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community.”
Todd Benzinger 1990 Reds Career
Benzinger joined the Reds before the 1989 season and played first base for Cincinnati through 1991, a three-year stretch that included the franchise’s wire-to-wire run to the 1990 World Series title. His career with the Reds is defined largely by that championship season and the symbolic final-out catch that sealed it.
Before arriving in Cincinnati, Benzinger was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 1981 draft and made his major league debut with Boston in 1987. He was acquired by the Reds ahead of the 1989 season.
Background And Community Ties
Benzinger was born in Dayton, Kentucky, and graduated from New Richmond High School in New Richmond, Ohio. After retiring as a player, he stayed closely involved with the Reds organization, taking part in the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, the Reds Community Fund, Reds Caravan, Reds Fantasy Camp, the Reds Legends Remember program and Redsfest.
Those ongoing appearances kept Benzinger a familiar presence to Reds fans for decades after his final season in Cincinnati, according to MLB.com.
What’s Next
No further details on arrangements or surviving family members had been released as of Thursday. The Reds organization and the Hall of Fame and Museum are expected to continue sharing tributes to Benzinger in the coming days.
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