Updated: October 23, 2026
Todd Benzinger, the switch-hitting first baseman and outfielder who secured the final out of the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep, passed away on October 21, 2026, at age 63. While fans remember him for that iconic catch and his nine-year MLB career, many have searched for details about the woman who shared his personal life: his wife. Public records on Todd Benzinger wife remain limited, reflecting a man who kept family matters largely private even as his baseball highlights lived on.
Table of Contents
Early Marriage to Kristina Bennett (Also Known as Kristi Wagers)
Todd Benzinger married Kristina Bennett (frequently listed as Kristi Wagers in family and athletic records) on October 26, 1991. The marriage lasted until their divorce on March 30, 1999. During those years, the couple welcomed at least one child together. Society for American Baseball Research notes and university media guides confirm Kristi as the mother of their son, Grant Benzinger, born March 1, 1996.
A 1993 San Francisco Giants media guide mentioned daughter Justine while Todd played for the team. Grant later described having three sisters in Wright State University materials, pointing to a larger family unit. The couple navigated the demands of a major-league lifestyle, with Todd playing for the Reds, Royals, Dodgers, and Giants during and after the marriage.
Family Life and Children After the Divorce
Following the divorce, Todd remained closely involved with his children. Grant Benzinger became a standout basketball player, earning Horizon League Tournament MVP honors at Wright State and later playing professionally in Europe until around 2021. Daughters including Justine and Presley (referenced in earlier profiles) rounded out the family. Todd once spoke about stepping back from full-time baseball after retirement partly because he had a young family and wanted more time at home in the Cincinnati area.
Public people-search records list possible relatives such as Justine Gail Benzinger, Nicole Michele Benzinger, and others connected to the household in Liberty Township and Loveland, Ohio. These details paint a picture of a father who prioritized family after the spotlight of the 1990 championship faded.
Later Years and Reports of a Second Marriage
Information about any subsequent marriage is thinner. A 2015 Facebook post from an event videography company referenced a wedding involving Todd Benzinger and Nicole. People-search databases list Nicole Michele Benzinger among possible relatives, suggesting a later partnership. However, major news outlets covering his 2026 passing offered no official confirmation of a second wife or current marital status. Todd largely stayed out of the public eye after managing the Dayton Dragons in 2009–2010 and coaching local youth teams, focusing instead on community involvement with the Reds organization.
Quick Facts Table: Todd Benzinger and His Family
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Todd Eric Benzinger |
| Born / Died | February 11, 1963 – October 21, 2026 |
| First Wife | Kristina Bennett / Kristi Wagers |
| Marriage Dates | October 26, 1991 – March 30, 1999 (divorced) |
| Known Children | Son Grant; daughters including Justine & others |
| Possible Later Partner | Nicole (unconfirmed in major reports) |
| Career Highlight | Caught final out, 1990 World Series |
| MLB Teams | Red Sox, Reds, Royals, Dodgers, Giants |
Key points that stand out from available records:
- Todd and Kristi raised athletic children who followed competitive paths.
- Family life in the Cincinnati suburbs grounded him after baseball.
- Privacy was intentional; few interviews delved into his personal relationships.
- His later years emphasized local coaching and Reds alumni events.
Conclusion
Todd Benzinger’s wife—primarily Kristina Bennett during his playing prime—shared the ups and downs of a professional athlete’s schedule before their divorce. Later mentions of Nicole remain unofficial, and details about his final years stay sparse even after his recent passing. What is clear is that family mattered deeply to the man who once celebrated a World Series title in his hometown uniform. Fans mourning the loss of a Reds legend can appreciate that he built a private life centered on his children long after the final out.
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Todd Benzinger leaves behind a championship memory and a family that largely stayed out of the headlines. His story reminds us that even World Series heroes lived full lives beyond the diamond.