The History of Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have a rich and storied history that dates back to the earliest days of professional baseball in America. The team was founded in 1869 as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, making it one of the oldest professional baseball teams.

One of the key figures for the Reds during this period was manager Joe Tinker, who took over the team in 1912. Tinker had previously been a star shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Reds. Under Tinker's leadership, the Reds improved their record and became a more formidable team.

The Reds also had several standout players during the Deadball Era, including pitchers Noodles Hahn and Christy Mathewson. Hahn, who played for the Reds from 1899 to 1905, was one of the top pitchers of his era. He led the National League in strikeouts three times and was known for his powerful fastball. Mathewson, who played for the New York Giants but faced the Reds numerous times, was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. He won 373 games, including several shutouts against the Reds.

Despite the team's success on the field, the Reds faced significant challenges during the Deadball Era. World War I significantly impacted baseball, with many players being drafted into military service and games being canceled or postponed. Additionally, the team struggled financially, with ownership changing hands multiple times during this period.

One bright spot for the Reds during the Deadball Era was their first World Series appearance in 1919. The team finished the regular season with a 96-44 and faced off against the Chicago White Sox in the championship series. The series was marred by the infamous "Black Sox" scandal, in which several White Sox players were accused of accepting bribes to throw the series. Despite the controversy, the Reds won the series in eight games, capturing their first World Series title.

Overall, the Deadball Era was challenging but ultimately successful for the Cincinnati Reds. Despite significant obstacles, the team remained competitive and produced some of the era's top players.

Sources:

Baseball-Reference: Noodles Hahn

Baseball-Reference: Christy Mathewson

National Baseball Hall of Fame: Joe Tinker

Baseball Almanac: 1919 World Series

The Golden Age of the Cincinnati Reds, which spanned from 1920 to 1940, was marked by some of the most successful seasons in the team's history. Led by a series of talented players and coaches, the Reds won multiple pennants and established themselves as one of the top teams in the National League.

The era began with the arrival of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920. The Reds faced Ruth and the Yankees in a memorable exhibition game in which Ruth hit a 573-foot home run, one of the longest in baseball history. Despite the loss, the Reds had a successful season, finishing at 82-71.

In 1924, the Reds hired Jack Hendricks as their new manager. Hendricks was a seasoned baseball man who had previously managed the St. Louis Browns and the Detroit Tigers. Under Hendricks' leadership, the Reds improved their record and became a more formidable team.

One of the key players for the Reds during this period was Edd Roush, an outfielder who played for the team from 1916 to 1926. Roush was one of the best hitters of his era, winning two batting titles and earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

The Reds' success continued into the 1930s with the arrival of several new star players, including pitcher Paul Derringer and outfielder Ival Goodman. The team won their first pennant in over a decade in 1939, with a record of 97-57. They faced off against the New York Yankees in the World Series but were swept in four games.

The following year, the Reds returned to the World Series, and this time, they emerged victorious, defeating the Detroit Tigers in seven games. The team was led by a trio of Hall of Fame players: catcher Ernie Lombardi, first baseman Frank McCormick, and pitcher Bucky Walters.

Throughout the Golden Age, the Reds established themselves as one of the top teams in the National League, winning multiple pennants and producing some of the era's top players. The team's success during this period laid the foundation for the dynasty that would emerge in the 1970s.

Sources:

National Baseball Hall of Fame: Edd Roush

Baseball-Reference: 1939 Cincinnati Reds

Baseball-Reference: 1940 Cincinnati Reds

Baseball Almanac: Babe Ruth's 573-foot Home Run

The Lean Years of the Cincinnati Reds, spanning from 1941 to 1960, were marked by struggles both on and off the field. The team faced a series of setbacks during this period, including the impact of World War II and financial difficulties, which led to a string of losing seasons.

The Reds' struggles began in 1941 when the team finished with a record of 88-66 but still missed the playoffs. The following year, the team faced significant challenges as many players were drafted into military service during World War II. The team was forced to rely on inexperienced players and struggled to remain competitive.

The team's financial situation also worsened, with ownership changing hands multiple times. The Reds were sold to new owners in 1949, who attempted to revitalize the team with new management and players. However, the team struggled, finishing last in the National League in 1950 and 1951.

One bright spot for the Reds during the Lean Years was the arrival of Frank Robinson, who debuted with the team in 1956. Robinson quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league, winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning All-Star honors. He would become one of the greatest players in Reds history and a Hall of Fame inductee.

The Reds also hired Fred Hutchinson as their new manager in 1959. Hutchinson was a successful manager who had previously led the Detroit Tigers to a World Series championship. Under his leadership, the Reds improved, finishing at 74-80 in 1960.

Despite these positive developments, the Reds remained a struggling team during the Lean Years, with a string of losing seasons and few bright spots. However, the team's fortunes would change in the 1960s, as new ownership and a renewed focus on success led to the emergence of the Big Red Machine.

Sources:

Baseball-Reference: 1941 Cincinnati Reds

National Baseball Hall of Fame: Frank Robinson

Baseball-Reference: Fred Hutchinson

MLB.com: Cincinnati Reds History

The Big Red Machine era of the Cincinnati Reds, which spanned from 1961 to 1976, was one of the most successful periods in the team's history. Led by a talented group of players and a Hall of Fame manager, the Reds won multiple division titles and two World Series championships.

The team's success during this period was primarily due to the arrival of several key players, including Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan. Rose, who debuted with the Reds in 1963, quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league, winning Rookie of the Year honors and earning a reputation as a gritty, hard-nosed player. Bench, a catcher who debuted in 1967, was one of the best catchers in baseball history, winning two National League MVP awards and earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 1989. Morgan, a second baseman who joined the team in 1972, was a two-time MVP and one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history.

The Reds' success during the Big Red Machine era was also due to the leadership of manager Sparky Anderson. Anderson, who took over as manager in 1970, was known for his innovative strategies and ability to motivate his players. Under Anderson's leadership, the Reds won five division titles and two World Series championships.

In 1975, the Reds faced off against the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, widely considered one of the most outstanding World Series ever. The series featured several memorable moments, including Carlton Fisk's game-winning home run in Game 6. However, the Reds ultimately emerged victorious, winning the series in seven games and capturing their first World Series championship in 35 years.

The following year, the Reds returned to the World Series and faced off against the New York Yankees. The Reds dominated the series, swept the Yankees in four games, and captured their second World Series championship.

Despite the team's success during the Big Red Machine era, the team faced challenges in the late 1970s, including the departure of several key players and Anderson's resignation as manager. However, the team's success during this period established a legacy of excellence that would continue to inspire Reds fans for decades.

Sources:

Baseball-Reference: Pete Rose

Baseball-Reference: Johnny Bench

Baseball-Reference: Joe Morgan

National Baseball Hall of Fame: Sparky Anderson

Baseball Almanac: 1975 World Series

Baseball Almanac: 1976 World Series

The Modern Era of the Cincinnati Reds, which began in 1977, has been marked by a mix of highs and lows. The team has experienced periods of success, including a World Series championship in 1990, and periods of rebuilding and struggles on the field.

One of the key figures for the Reds during the Modern Era was owner Marge Schott, who took over the team in 1984. Schott was known for her eccentric personality and love for her dogs but faced criticism for her controversial comments and actions. Despite this, she oversaw a period of success for the team, including their World Series championship in 1990.

Talented players, including pitcher Jose Rijo, outfielder Eric Davis, and third baseman Chris Sabo led the 1990 championship team. Rijo was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series, while Davis and Sabo were vital contributors to the team's success.

In the years following their championship, the Reds faced a period of rebuilding. Still, they continued to produce talented players, including Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. Larkin, a shortstop who played for the Reds from 1986 to 2004, was one of the best players in franchise history, winning the National League MVP award in 1995 and earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Griffey Jr., who joined the team in 2000, was one of the greatest players of his era and helped lead the team to a division title in 2010.

The Reds also faced challenges during the Modern Era, including financial difficulties and struggles on the field. The team underwent multiple ownership changes, eventually sold to a group led by Bob Castellini in 2006.

In recent years, the Reds have produced talented players, including first baseman Joey Votto and third baseman Eugenio Suarez. While the team has faced struggles on the field in recent seasons, they remain a beloved franchise with a rich history and a dedicated fan base.

Sources:

Baseball-Reference: 1990 Cincinnati Reds

Baseball-Reference: Barry Larkin

Baseball-Reference: Ken Griffey Jr.

Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds history with Marge Schott

MLB.com: Cincinnati Reds History