Todd Benzinger #96

This week, a fresh faced youngster nicknamed "Mercedes"...it's Todd Benzinger! Benzinger had a few middling years in the minors, but then in 1987 he was on fire to open the season and earned a call up to the Red Sox. He joined a talented young team and had a big moment in 1988 during the Morgan Magic run. After a trade to Cincinnati, he helped his childhood team win the 1990 World Series. He spent 9 years in the majors and then was a successful high school basketball coach after his MLB career.

Topics: Dayton...not Ohio, Alan Jackson wine, guys named Todd

Listen:

Links:

• Card 96 on ⁠Beckett
• Sabr Bio by ⁠Bill Nowlin
• Catching up with ⁠⁠Benz⁠
  
• Todd Benzinger ⁠1987 Highlight video: ⁠
  
• Benzinger hits a ⁠big homer⁠ in 1988: 
• Todd catches the final out of ⁠1990 World Series:⁠
• Guys named Todd by George Carlin (NSFW):
• Todd gives 1B tips: 

Chili Davis #15/32T

 

This week we spoke with the Diamond King himself, the legendary Dick Perez and director of the Diamond King documentary Marq Evans! Go find the Diamond King documentary on VOD starting on April 25, 2025!

Dick's all time favorite Diamond King is the 1995 Chili Davis, so why not talk about Chili Davis too! Chili Davis was the first Jamaican born player in the AL/NL. He moved to the US as a youngster and immediately fell in love with baseball. He was a solid switch hitting outfielder for the Giants, playing in two all star games and helping the Giants make the 1987 playoffs. He then went to the Angels before helping the Twins win the 1991 World Series. Late in his career he won 2 more rings as the Yankees DH in 1998 and 99. 

Topics: Chilis/Chillis, Mullet Man, Diamond Kings, RBI Corner

Listen:

 

Links:

• Card 15 on ⁠Beckett⁠
• Card 32T on ⁠Beckett⁠
• Watch ⁠The Diamond King⁠, opening April 25, 2025!
• JD Davis: "⁠Chili is my Dog⁠"⁠
• SABR Bio by ⁠Rory Costello⁠
• Chili signs with the ⁠Angels in 1987⁠
• Chili's 1991 ⁠World Series Homer:

⁠

• ⁠Chili Bowl Mullet Man⁠ at the Video Store:

 

• ⁠Diamond King trailer: