Benzinger, member of Reds' 1990 World Series championship team, dies at 63

Todd Benzinger, the Cincinnati Reds first baseman who caught the final out of the 1990 World Series, has died. He was 63.

The Reds announced on Thursday that Benzinger died on Wednesday. He was a member of the club's 1990 championship squad and went on to play nine seasons in the major leagues, spending 1989 to 1991 in Cincinnati.

Benzinger began his big-league career with the Boston Red Sox in 1987 and also spent time with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants before his final season in 1995. After his playing days he stayed in the game, managing the Reds' Class-A affiliate in Dayton in 2009 and 2010 and remaining involved in youth baseball.

The Reds said Benzinger "will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history," pointing to his regular appearances at team events such as the Reds Caravan, Reds Fantasy Camp, Redsfest and the Reds Legends Remember programme.

"Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series," said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, adding that Benzinger stayed close to the Cincinnati community and shared his time generously with fans.