Updated: October 23, 2026
Todd Benzinger, the former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder best remembered for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, passed away this week at age 63. The Cincinnati Reds announced his death, and the baseball world quickly turned its attention not only to his on-field moments but to the family he leaves behind. Fans searching for details on Todd Benzinger kids will find a story of athletic talent, quiet privacy, and a father who stayed rooted in the Cincinnati area long after his playing days ended.
Table of Contents
Who Was Todd Benzinger?
Born February 11, 1963, in Dayton, Kentucky, and raised in New Richmond, Ohio, Benzinger spent nine seasons in the majors (1987–1995). He played for the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. His signature moment came in Game 4 of the 1990 World Series when he secured the final out as the Reds swept the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. After retiring he coached high-school girls’ basketball, managed the Dayton Dragons, and remained a familiar face at Reds community events. Teammates and fans remember him as approachable and community-minded.
Meet Grant Benzinger: The Basketball Star Son
Todd’s most publicly known child is his son, Grant Benzinger, born March 1, 1996. Grant chose basketball over baseball and became a standout guard at Archbishop Moeller High School before starring at Wright State University. In 2018 he earned Horizon League Tournament MVP honors and helped the Raiders reach the NCAA Tournament. After college he played professionally in Europe, including with UNI Baskets Paderborn in Germany, until 2021. Wright State media guides noted that Grant has three sisters, confirming a larger family circle. Father and son shared a backyard full of sports growing up; Grant has spoken about the daily games and the unique perspective of having a dad who once managed the local minor-league team.
Todd Benzinger’s Daughters and Family Life
Public records and older media guides name at least two daughters: Justine (mentioned in a 1993 San Francisco Giants guide) and Presley. A 2005 interview listed Justine (then 15) and Presley (then 12) alongside young Grant. Later sources refer to Grant having three sisters, so one additional daughter has largely stayed out of the public eye. Todd was previously married to Kristi (also listed as Kristina) Wagers; the couple later divorced. Some records mention a later marriage to Nicole, though details remain private. Barry Larkin’s recent comment that Benzinger had “some young kids” suggests the family continued to grow or that younger relatives remained close. Throughout his post-playing years Todd prioritized time at home in the greater Cincinnati area, coaching youth sports and staying involved in local baseball.
Quick Family Snapshot
| Family Member | Relationship | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Benzinger | Son | Born 1996; Wright State basketball star; pro career in Europe |
| Justine Benzinger | Daughter | Mentioned in 1990s team media guides |
| Presley | Daughter | Noted in mid-2000s family profiles |
| Additional sister | Daughter | Confirmed by Grant’s college media guide |
| Kristi Wagers | Former wife | Mother of Grant and the daughters |
Life Lessons and Lasting Impact
Todd Benzinger’s kids grew up with a father who understood both the spotlight and the value of ordinary family time. Key takeaways from their story include:
- Athletic talent can run in the family, yet each child is free to choose a different path.
- Privacy matters; not every detail of a public figure’s home life needs to be public.
- Community roots outlast championship rings—Todd stayed in the Cincinnati region and kept coaching long after the final out.
- Support from parents who have lived high-pressure careers can shape resilient, grounded young adults.
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Conclusion
Todd Benzinger’s legacy is bigger than one World Series catch. It lives on in his children, especially Grant’s basketball achievements, and in the quieter lives of his daughters. As the baseball community mourns a 1990 champion, the focus on Todd Benzinger’s kids reminds us that the most lasting wins often happen off the field—around the dinner table, in the backyard, and in the example a parent sets every day. Rest in peace, Todd. Your family and Reds Country will remember you fondly.