Updated: October 23, 2026
Todd Benzinger, the former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder best remembered for catching the final out of the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep, passed away on October 22, 2026, at age 63. While fans will always recall that iconic moment against the Oakland Athletics, those closest to him remember a devoted father first. His children have carried forward a strong athletic spirit and quiet resilience that defined their dad’s life both on and off the field.
Here’s a clear look at Todd Benzinger children and the family life he built after his nine-year big-league career.
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Who Are Todd Benzinger’s Children?
Todd and his former wife, Kristi (also referred to as Kristina Wagers or Bennett in records), raised a close-knit family in the Cincinnati area. Public information confirms one son and at least two daughters, with some older references noting three sisters for the son.
- Grant Benzinger – Born March 1, 1996, Grant followed a different path from his father’s baseball career. He starred as a guard at Archbishop Moeller High School and later at Wright State University, where he earned Horizon League Tournament MVP honors in 2018 and helped the Raiders reach the NCAA Tournament. After college he played professionally in Europe, including time with UNI Baskets Paderborn in Germany, before stepping away from the game around 2021.
- Justine Benzinger – Mentioned in a 1993 San Francisco Giants media guide as Todd and Kristi’s daughter. By 2005 she was a teenager living in the Cincinnati area.
- Presley Benzinger (later associated with the surname Vanbenschoten in some records) – Also noted in a 2005 profile as one of Todd’s daughters.
A Wright State media guide from Grant’s college years stated he had three sisters, though the third daughter’s name has not been widely documented in public sources. The family largely stayed private, which Todd preferred after years in the public eye.
Family Life After Baseball
After retiring in 1995, Todd settled back in the greater Cincinnati area—first in Loveland and later Liberty Township—so he could be present for his kids. He coached girls’ basketball at Loveland High School and Seven Hills, then managed the Dayton Dragons (the Reds’ Class-A affiliate) in 2009 and 2010. Those roles let him stay close to home while still sharing the competitive lessons he learned in the majors.
In a 2005 interview he spoke warmly about everyday life with Justine, Presley, and young Grant, emphasizing that family time mattered more than any highlight reel. Friends and former teammates have noted how proud he was of Grant’s basketball journey and the grounded way all his children approached life.
Quick Facts on Todd Benzinger’s Family
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Spouse | Kristi / Kristina (married 1991, later divorced) |
| Known Children | Grant (son), Justine, Presley (daughters) |
| Possible Additional | One more daughter (per some media guides) |
| Son’s Birthdate | March 1, 1996 |
| Family Base | Greater Cincinnati / Loveland, Ohio |
| Later Relationship | Reports of marriage to Nicole around 2015 |
Remembering a Father First
Todd Benzinger’s baseball résumé is solid: switch-hitter, .257 career average, 66 home runs, and that unforgettable final out in 1990. Yet the people who knew him best talk about the dad who coached youth teams, showed up for games, and kept his children’s privacy intact. In an era when many athletes chase the spotlight, Todd chose the quieter path of raising kids who grew into capable, independent adults.
His passing leaves a gap for the Reds family and especially for Grant, Justine, Presley, and any other siblings. Condolences continue to pour in from teammates, coaches, and fans who understood that the man behind the glove was defined just as much by fatherhood as by championships.
For those looking to honor athletes who balance competition with real life, or simply seeking reliable insights into sports history and community stories, resources like gmdcalibration.in offer thoughtful perspectives worth exploring. Todd Benzinger’s greatest legacy may ultimately be the family he left behind—proof that the final out is never the whole story.