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The Cincinnati Reds are mourning the loss of Todd Benzinger, a key figure in the franchise's most recent World Series triumph. Benzinger, who secured the final out of the 1990 Fall Classic, died this week, the team announced. He was 60.
Born in Dayton, Kentucky, and a graduate of New Richmond High School in Ohio, Benzinger was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 1981 MLB Draft. After two seasons in Boston, he was traded to the Reds in 1989 and remained with Cincinnati until midway through the 1991 campaign.
In his three years with the Reds, Benzinger posted a .241/.287/.355 slash line with 75 extra-base hits and eight stolen bases. His most memorable contribution came during the 1990 World Series against the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. When asked about Oakland's dynasty aspirations, Benzinger offered a now-famous retort to the Los Angeles Times: "If they are a dynasty and we beat them, what does that make us? I guess that makes us whatever one step above a dynasty is."
The Reds went on to sweep the Athletics in four games, capturing the franchise's fifth championship in one of the biggest upsets in Major League Baseball history.
Benzinger was a versatile defender, seeing time at first base, center field, left field, right field, and even third base for one game during his career.
Reds Release Statement
The Reds issued a statement on social media honoring Benzinger: "The Cincinnati Reds are saddened by the passing of former first baseman and 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger. Todd will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, former teammates and all who knew and loved him."
Benzinger's Career After Cincinnati
In July 1991, the Reds traded Benzinger to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Carmelo Martinez. He appeared in 78 games for the Royals. In 1992, he played 121 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers before finishing his career with three seasons with the San Francisco Giants.