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Redlegs Time
In April 1953, the Reds, fearing that their traditional club nickname would associate them with the threat of Communism, officially changed the name of the team to the “Cincinnati Redlegs”. From 1956 to 1960, the club’s logo was altered to remove the term “REDS” from the inside of the “wishbone C” symbol. The “REDS” reappeared on the 1961 uniforms, but ...
History of the Redlegs
The Cincinnati Reds, also known as the Redlegs or Big Red Machine, is one of the oldest and most successful teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). Founded in 1876, they have won five World Series titles and nine National League pennants. The team had had a long history of success that dates back to their first season when they finished second place in the National Association. Since then, they have been consistently competitive, with some of baseball's greatest players, like Pete Rose and Johnny Bench, leading them to glory.
In 1969-1970 “the Big Red Machine” was born under manager Sparky Anderson who led them to four division championships between 1970-1976 while becoming one of only two teams ever to win back-to-back World Series titles twice (1975 & 1976). This era included Hall Of Famers such as Joe Morgan, Tony Perez & George Foster among others, who made up what is arguably considered by many historians as one of baseball's greatest dynasties ever assembled on any single team over so short a span.
In 1990 led by future Hall Of Famer Barry Larkin along with Chris Sabo & Eric Davis, Cincinnati captured its fifth world series title against Oakland Athletics, ending an incredible run for this legendary franchise that lasted more than 100 years after its inception. Until now, Cincinnati Reds experienced ups and downs but remained competitive, thanks primarily to young core talents such as Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez, and Luis Castillo.
It’s safe to say that since day 1, this historical organization has left quite a mark on the MLB landscape not just because of all those astounding achievements but also how much it means to fans from the Queen City region. After all these years, we can proudly declare: Play Ball!
Established
1882
City
Cincinnati
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1890 – 1999 / National League
1882 – 1889 / American Association
Team History
1958 – Present / Cincinnati Reds
1953 – 1958 / Cincinnati Redlegs
1890 – 1953 / Cincinnati Reds
1882 – 1889 / Cincinnati Red Stockings
Nickname
Redlegs – The term “Reds” in the political arena had long been a synonym for “Communist”. During the McCarthy era, even though there was no connection between professional baseball and Communism, the team was concerned that their traditional club nickname would associate them with the Communist Threat and the Cold War, so they officially changed their name to the “Cincinnati Redlegs.”
Championship
World Series 0
1990, 1976, 1975, 1940, 1919
Stadium
2003 – Present / Great American Ball Park
1997 – 2002 / Riverfront Stadium
1996 – 2002 / Cinergy Field
1912 – 1970 / Crosley Field
1912 – 1934 / Redland Field
1902 – 1911 / Palace of the Fans
1894 – 1901 / League Park II
1890 – 1893 / League Park I
1884 – 1889 / American Park
1882 – 1883 / Bank Street Grounds
Owner
2006 – Present / Robert Castellini
1998 – 2006 / Carl Lindner, Jr.
1984 – 1998 / Marge Schott
1980 – 1984 / William & James Williams
1973 – 1980 / Louis Nippert
1967 – 1973 / Francis L. Dale
1961 – 1967 / Bill DeWitt
1933 – 1961 / Powel Crosley, Jr.
1929 – 1933 / Sidney Weil
1927 – 1929 / C. J. McDiarmid
1902 – 1927 / August Herrmann
1890 – 1902 / John T. Brush
1882 – 1890 / Justus Thorner
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
1 / Fred Hutchinson
5 / Johnny Bench
8 / Joe Morgan
10 / Sparky Anderson
11 / Barry Larkin
13 / Dave Concepción
14 / Pete Rose
18 / Ted Kluszewski
20 / Frank Robinson
24 / Tony Pérez
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history
