Todd Benzinger, first baseman on the Reds' 1990 World Series champions, dies at 63

Todd Benzinger, a first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds' 1990 World Series championship team, has died at 63. The Reds announced his death on Thursday, saying he died Wednesday. The team did not say what caused his death.

In a statement, the club said it was saddened by his passing. "Todd will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history," the Reds said. The team extended its condolences to his family, friends, former teammates and "all who knew and loved him."

Benzinger was born in Dayton, Kentucky, and graduated from New Richmond High School. He began his major league career with the Boston Red Sox in 1987 and joined the Reds, where he played from 1989 to 1991.

He was part of the Reds team that won the 1990 World Series, sweeping the Oakland Athletics in four games. That roster included Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, José Rijo, Eric Davis and Ron Oester, among others, and was managed by Lou Piniella. According to Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, Benzinger caught the final out of the series.

After leaving Cincinnati, Benzinger played for the Kansas City Royals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants.

Walls said Benzinger stayed connected to the Cincinnati area after his playing days. "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," Walls said. "We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community."

Benzinger was a regular on the Reds Caravan, at Reds Fantasy Camp and in the Reds Legends Remember program, and he was a popular guest at Redsfest.

He also worked in coaching and managing. Benzinger was a head coach of girls basketball in the Greater Cincinnati area, leading Loveland from 2006 to 2008 and Lakota East during the 2008-09 season. He then managed the Class A Dayton Dragons from 2009 to 2010.