Todd Benzinger, a member of the Cincinnati Reds' 1990 World Series championship team, has died. He was 63. The Reds announced Thursday that Benzinger died on Wednesday.
Benzinger played nine seasons in the major leagues, including with the Reds from 1989 to 1991. He made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1987 and also had stints with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. His final season in the majors came in 1995.
Fans will forever remember Benzinger for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series. In its statement, the team said he "will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history." The club noted his regular participation in the Reds Caravan, Reds Fantasy Camp, Reds Legends Remember program and Redsfest.
Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, praised Benzinger's generosity. "Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum," Walls said. "We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community."
Benzinger also worked as manager of Class-A Dayton in 2009-10 and remained active in youth baseball in New Richmond, Ohio, where he went to high school.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing