 The Cincinnati Reds is a professional team based in Cincinnati , Ohio . The team was originally called the Red Stockings. The team was founded in 1869. The Red Stockings and six other teams formed the American Association (AA) in 1881 and Cincinnati won the first AA pennant in 1882. In its initial sessions the team could not achieve the desired performance despite sincere efforts for nearly 30 years they ended every season in no better than third place. The Reds won their first NL pennant and World Series in 1919. The time period of the 1920s and early 1930s the Reds mostly remained as the second division dweller. By the time of 1931 the team became bankrupt, soon in the year 1933 the team was brought by Powel Crosley Jr., and hired Larry Mac Phail as the general Manager of the team. In 1938 Vander Meer threw two consecutive no-hitters, becoming the only pitcher in major league history to do so. The Reds won the back-to-back pennants in 1939 and 1940.
In 1940 the Reds won their second World Series title after defeating Detroit Tigers. The Reds faded as an NL power in the 1940s and early 1950s. From 1953 to 1959 the team was named as Redlegs as they avoided association with the communists. Frank Robinson led the team in the year 1956 when they hit 221 HR to tie the NL record. In 1961 the team emerged on the top as star outfielder Vada Pinson and the season's NL MVP, Frank Robinson were in the team as they captured fourth pennant before losing World Series to New York Yankees. Pete Rose joined the team in 1963, winning NL Rookie of the year honors. In 1964, they lost the pennant by one game. In 1970 the Reds won the 70 games out of its first 100 games. Johnny Bench won his first two MVP awards in 1970 and Reds won its third division title. The Reds breezed through the 1970 season, won the NL West and captured the NL pennant. In 1972 the Reds won the NL West and defeated the Pittsburgh in an exciting five-game playoff series, then they faced the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. The Reds won a third NL West crown in 1973 but lost the NL pennant to the New York Mets. The Reds won 98 games in 1974 but finished in second place.
The Reds clinched the NL West with 108 victories. The club peaked in 1975 and 1976, becoming the first NL team since the New York Giant s of 1921 and 1922 to win back-to-back World Series titles. The Reds won another division title in 1979, the team was led by pitcher Tom Seaver. The Reds registered the best performance in 1981 as they ended the season in second in the division. In the very next season the Reds lost more than 100 games. From 1985 to 1988 the team registered second place in every session. Lou Piniella guided Cincinnati as he first manager and to its fifth World Series title in 1990. Larkin led the team to the Central Division title and captivated the division title in 1995 session. In 1999 they won 96 games, but lost to the New York Mets in a one game playoff. Some of the players of the team that made into the hall of fame are Jake Beckley, Johnny Bench, Jim Bottomley and Mordecai Brown. |
