Cincinnati Reds

Team Information

Franchise History

The Cincinnati Reds are the oldest professional baseball team, tracing their origins to the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first all-professional baseball team. The modern franchise was founded in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association, joining the National League in 1890.

The Big Red Machine (1970s)

The Reds’ 1970s dynasty, known as the “Big Red Machine,” is considered one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Led by Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, and Tony Perez, the team won back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976.

Current Status

The Reds compete in the NL Central. The team has experienced periods of competitiveness mixed with rebuilding phases.

Ownership History

Management

• General Manager: Nick Krall
• Manager: David Bell
• Team President: Joe Morgan (not the player)

Historical Significance

• Oldest professional baseball team (1869 origins)
• 5 World Series championships (1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, 1990)
• 9 NL Pennants
• “Big Red Machine” dynasty (1970s)
• First professional team (1869)
• Tom Browning’s perfect game (1988)
• Pete Rose’s 4,192nd hit (breaking Cobb’s record)

Team Identity

The Reds are named after the original 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings. The team represents Cincinnati’s baseball heritage and is known for its traditional red uniforms.

Cincinnati Reds History

The 1869 Red Stockings

First Professional Team

The Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 were the first all-professional baseball team in history. Organized by Harry Wright, the team went 57-0 in their first season, touring the country and establishing professional baseball as a viable enterprise.

The Modern Franchise (1882-Present)

American Association Beginnings

The modern Reds franchise was founded in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association. The team joined the National League in 1890.

Early 20th Century

The Reds won their first World Series in 1919, defeating the Chicago White Sox. However, the series was tainted by the Black Sox Scandal.

1940 World Series Champions

Led by MVP Frank McCormick and pitchers Paul Derringer and Bucky Walters, the Reds defeated the Detroit Tigers in seven games.

The Big Red Machine (1970-1976)

The Greatest Team Ever?

The Reds of the 1970s are considered one of the greatest teams in baseball history. With a lineup featuring Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Dave Concepcion, the team dominated the National League.

1975 World Series Champions: - Defeated Boston Red Sox in seven games - Game 6 featured Carlton Fisk’s famous home run, but Reds won Game 7 - Joe Morgan’s RBI single in Game 7 won the series

1976 World Series Champions: - Swept New York Yankees in four games - Only team to go undefeated in postseason (7-0) - Johnny Bench World Series MVP

Key Players of the Era

• Johnny Bench: Catcher, 2x MVP
• Joe Morgan: Second Base, 2x MVP
• Pete Rose: Third Base/Outfield, “Charlie Hustle”
• Tony Perez: First Base
• Dave Concepcion: Shortstop
• George Foster: Outfield
• Ken Griffey Sr.: Outfield
• Joe Morgan: Second Base

The 1990 Wire-to-Wire Champions

The Underdogs

The 1990 Reds entered the season as underdogs but led from start to finish (“wire-to-wire”).

World Series Champions: - Swept Oakland Athletics in four games - The “Nasty Boys” bullpen (Rob Dibble, Randy Myers, Norm Charlton) - Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo led the offense

The Pete Rose Era and Ban

Playing Career

Pete Rose became baseball’s all-time hits leader (4,256) as a player, breaking Ty Cobb’s record in 1985.

Managing and Ban

Rose managed the Reds from 1984-1989. In 1989, he was banned from baseball for life for betting on games while managing. The ban has kept him out of the Hall of Fame despite his playing career.

Recent Years

Great American Ball Park (2003-Present)

The Reds moved to their current ballpark in 2003, replacing Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field.

Competitive Periods

The Reds have had competitive periods in the 2010s but have not returned to the World Series since 1990.

Joey Votto Era

Joey Votto has been the face of the franchise since 2008, winning the 2010 NL MVP award.

Franchise Timeline

Cincinnati Reds Championships

World Series Championships

1919 World Series Champions

Manager: Pat Moran
Regular Season Record: 96-44
Finals Opponent: Chicago White Sox
Result: Won series 5-3

The Reds defeated the White Sox, though the series was later tainted by the Black Sox Scandal. Eight White Sox players were accused of intentionally losing.

1940 World Series Champions

Manager: Bill McKechnie
Regular Season Record: 100-62
Finals Opponent: Detroit Tigers
Result: Won series 4-3

The Reds defeated the Tigers in seven games.

Key Players: - Frank McCormick (MVP) - Paul Derringer (pitcher) - Bucky Walters (pitcher) - Bill Werber (third base)

1975 World Series Champions

Manager: Sparky Anderson
Regular Season Record: 108-54
Finals Opponent: Boston Red Sox
Result: Won series 4-3

One of the greatest World Series in history, featuring Carlton Fisk’s famous Game 6 home run and Joe Morgan’s series-winning hit in Game 7.

Key Players: - Johnny Bench (catcher) - Joe Morgan (second base) - Pete Rose (third base) - Tony Perez (first base) - Dave Concepcion (shortstop) - Joe Morgan (MVP, game-winning RBI in Game 7)

1976 World Series Champions

Manager: Sparky Anderson
Regular Season Record: 102-60
Finals Opponent: New York Yankees
Result: Won series 4-0 (sweep)

The Reds became the first team to go undefeated in the postseason (7-0), sweeping the Phillies in the NLCS and the Yankees in the World Series.

Key Players: - Johnny Bench (World Series MVP) - Joe Morgan - Tony Perez - Dave Concepcion

1990 World Series Champions

Manager: Lou Piniella
Regular Season Record: 91-71
Finals Opponent: Oakland Athletics
Result: Won series 4-0 (sweep)

The “Wire-to-Wire” Reds swept the heavily favored Athletics.

Key Players: - Barry Larkin (shortstop) - Eric Davis (outfield) - Chris Sabo (third base) - Joe Oliver (catcher) - The “Nasty Boys” bullpen (Rob Dibble, Randy Myers, Norm Charlton)

National League Pennants

The Reds have won 9 National League pennants: - 1919, 1939, 1940, 1961, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1990

Division Championships

The Reds have won 10 division championships: - 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1990, 1995, 2010, 2012

The Big Red Machine

The 1975-1976 Reds are considered one of the greatest teams in baseball history, featuring: - 5 Hall of Famers (Bench, Morgan, Perez, Anderson, and Cesar Geronimo) - Back-to-back championships - Undefeated 1976 postseason

Cincinnati Reds Team Records

Single Season Records

Best Regular Season Records

All-Time Career Records

Career Hits

Career Home Runs

Retired Numbers

Jackie Robinson’s #42 is retired throughout MLB.

Streaks

Winning Streaks

• Longest Overall: 14 games (1899, 1957)

Tom Browning’s Perfect Game

September 16, 1988: Tom Browning threw a perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the only perfect game in Reds history.

Cincinnati Reds Legendary Players

Baseball Hall of Famers

Johnny Bench (1989)

Position: Catcher
Years: 1967-1983

Bench is considered the greatest catcher in baseball history.

Career Stats: - Hits: 2,048 - Home Runs: 389 - RBI: 1,376 - Batting Average: .267

Accolades: - 2x NL MVP (1970, 1972) - 1976 World Series MVP - 14x All-Star - 10x Gold Glove - 2x World Series champion

Bench revolutionized catching with his one-handed style and powerful arm.

Joe Morgan (1990)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1972-1979

Morgan was the heart of the Big Red Machine, winning back-to-back MVPs.

Accolades: - 2x NL MVP (1975, 1976) - 5x Gold Glove (with Reds) - 2x World Series champion

Tony Perez (2000)

Position: First Base
Years: 1964-1976, 1984-1986

Perez was a clutch hitter and key member of the Big Red Machine.

Barry Larkin (2012)

Position: Shortstop
Years: 1986-2004

Larkin was the first shortstop with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season.

Accolades: - 1995 NL MVP - 12x All-Star - 3x Gold Glove - World Series champion (1990)

Frank Robinson (1982)

Position: Outfield
Years: 1956-1965

Robinson won the 1961 NL MVP with the Reds before being controversially traded to Baltimore.

Ernie Lombardi (1986)

Position: Catcher
Years: 1932-1941

Lombardi was a two-time batting champion as a catcher.

Edd Roush (1962)

Position: Outfield
Years: 1916-1926, 1931

Roush won the 1919 batting title.

Bid McPhee (2000)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1882-1899

McPhee played in the 19th century and was known for his defense.

Franchise Icons

Pete Rose

Position: Various
Years: 1963-1978, 1984-1986

“Charlie Hustle” is baseball’s all-time hits leader (4,256) but is banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on games.

Career Stats (Reds): - Hits: 3,358 - Games: 2,722

Dave Concepcion

Position: Shortstop
Years: 1970-1988

Concepcion was a defensive wizard and key member of the Big Red Machine.

George Foster

Position: Outfield
Years: 1971-1981

Foster won the 1977 NL MVP and hit 52 home runs that season.

Eric Davis

Position: Outfield
Years: 1984-1991, 1996

Davis was a dynamic five-tool player on the 1990 championship team.

Joe Morgan

Already mentioned above.

Joey Votto

Position: First Base
Years: 2007-2023

Votto won the 2010 NL MVP and was known for his on-base ability.

Accolades: - 2010 NL MVP - 6x All-Star

Ken Griffey Sr.

Position: Outfield
Years: 1973-1981, 1988-1990

Griffey was a key contributor to the Big Red Machine.

Chris Sabo

Position: Third Base
Years: 1988-1993, 1996

Sabo was the 1988 Rookie of the Year and a key member of the 1990 champions.

Tom Browning

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1984-1994

Browning threw a perfect game in 1988.

Cincinnati Reds Rivalries

Primary Rivalries

St. Louis Cardinals

The Reds-Cardinals rivalry dates back to the 1880s. Both teams compete in the NL Central.

Key Moments: - Multiple pennant races - 2010 NLDS: Reds swept by Phillies (not Cardinals, but divisional tension) - Division battles in the 2010s

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers and Reds had memorable matchups in the 1970s and 1980s.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Division rivals with competitive matchups.

Other Rivalries

Cleveland Guardians (Ohio Cup)

The in-state rivalry with the Guardians is known as the Ohio Cup.

Rivalry Statistics

Divisional Records

The Reds have competed against the Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates, and Cubs in the NL Central.

Historic Rivalries

The Big Red Machine had competitive matchups with the Dodgers and Phillies in the 1970s.

Cincinnati Reds Stadium History

Great American Ball Park (2003-Present)

Overview

Great American Ball Park has been the Reds’ home since 2003, replacing Cinergy Field.

Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Features

• Capacity: 42,319
• Opening: March 31, 2003
• Cost: $290 million

The ballpark features views of the Ohio River and the Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Cinergy Field / Riverfront Stadium (1970-2002)

The Reds shared Riverfront Stadium with the Bengals from 1970-2002.

Capacity: 52,952 (for baseball)

Riverfront Stadium History

• Opened: June 30, 1970
• Closed: September 22, 2002
• Surface: AstroTurf (artificial turf)

The stadium was known as Cinergy Field from 1996-2002.

Crosley Field (1912-1970)

Crosley Field was the Reds’ home for nearly 60 years.

Address: Findlay Street and McLean Avenue, Cincinnati

Features

• Known for its distinctive scoreboard and terrace in left field
• Hosted the 1935 and 1937 All-Star Games
• Night baseball first played here (1935)

Palace of the Fans (1902-1911)

An early ballpark with distinctive architecture.

Stadium Comparison

Cincinnati Reds Fanbase and Culture

Fanbase Demographics

The Cincinnati Region

The Reds draw from Cincinnati and surrounding areas in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

The Big Red Machine Legacy

The 1970s dynasty remains the defining era for Reds fans, many of whom remember the back-to-back championships.

Traditions

Opening Day

The Reds traditionally open the MLB season at home, honoring their status as the oldest professional team.

The All-Star Game

The Reds hosted the 2015 All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park.

Pete Rose

Rose remains a controversial but significant figure in Reds history.

Mascots

Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red

The Reds have multiple mascots representing the franchise.

Media

Television

• Bally Sports Ohio: Regional broadcasts

Radio

• 700 WLW: Flagship station
• Joe Nuxhall: Legendary broadcaster (“This is the Old Left Hander”)

Community

Reds Community Fund

• Youth baseball programs
• Community outreach
• Charitable initiatives

Rivalry Culture

Cardinals Rivalry

The rivalry with St. Louis is the most significant for Reds fans.

Ohio Cup

The series against Cleveland creates in-state interest.