Story perspectives

Todd Benzinger, Reds catcher, dies at 63

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 11:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Todd Benzinger died at age 63, announced by the Cincinnati Reds on Oct. 22, 2026.
He caught the final out of the Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep of the Oakland Athletics.
He debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 1987, played for the Reds (1989-91) and for Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
He managed the Class-A Dayton Dragons (2009-10) and remained active in Cincinnati youth baseball and Reds events.

History

Historical Context

The Cincinnati Reds' 1975 World Series triumph, sealed on October 22, 1975, marked the franchise’s first championship since 1940. Led by manager Sparky Anderson, the team featured Pete Rose (who batted .336) and Joe Morgan, who posted a .320 average and 17 stolen bases. Benzinger’s 1990 World Series catch echoed the 1975 triumph, as both Reds squads secured titles against foes—the Athletics in 1990 and the Red Sox in 1975. The championships cemented Cincinnati’s reputation as a contender, spurring youth programs such as the Dayton Dragons and embedding Benzinger’s legacy in the city’s baseball culture.

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Story summary

Todd Benzinger died at age 63, announced by the Cincinnati Reds on Oct. 22, 2026.
He caught the final out of the Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep of the Oakland Athletics.
He debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 1987, played for the Reds (1989-91) and for Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
He managed the Class-A Dayton Dragons (2009-10) and remained active in Cincinnati youth baseball and Reds events.

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