Benzinger, 1990 WS champion with Reds, passes away at 63

CINCINNATI -- Todd Benzinger, a Greater Cincinnati native who will forever be solidified in the memories of Reds fans for being the player who caught the final out that secured the 1990 World Series, died on Wednesday.

Benzinger, whose passing was announced by the Reds on Thursday, was 63 years old. A cause of death was not revealed.

"I saw him at an event this past summer in Cincinnati and he looked good. It's kind of a shock out of nowhere," Hall of Fame shortstop and team broadcaster Barry Larkin, Benzinger's teammate for three seasons, told MLB.com. "I know he's got some young kids, so I feel really bad for his family."

Born in Dayton, Ky., and raised in New Richmond, Ohio, Benzinger was a fourth-round pick of the Red Sox in the 1981 MLB Draft and went on to have a nine-year career from 1987-95 with Boston, the Reds, Royals, Dodgers and Giants.

From 1989-91, Benzinger was a member of his hometown Reds -- including as a right-handed-hitting first baseman who platooned at the position with lefty hitter Hal Morris on the '90 club. That team went wire-to-wire to take the National League West division on its way to winning the World Series in a four-game sweep of the heavily favored Athletics.

It was Oct. 20, 1990, when Benzinger ranged well behind first base in foul territory to catch Carney Lansford's popup for the final out in Game 4 of the World Series. It remains the last championship that Cincinnati has won.

"He was a super nice guy," Larkin added. "He was always a hard worker, not real loud. Just about doing his business. He was just a steady, consistent contributor. There was no craziness about him. He fit in well with the team. Just a really good, solid guy."

In retirement, Benzinger remained connected to the Reds organization and was often at events like Reds Caravan, Redsfest, fantasy camp and programs at the team's Hall of Fame.

From 2009-10, Benzinger was the manager at Dayton, which was then the Reds' Single-A affiliate. He remained in the Cincinnati area and was often active coaching youth baseball.

“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," said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, in a statement.

"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."