The Cincinnati Reds History tells the story of one of Major League Baseball’s most historic franchises. Known for its passionate fan base, the club’s achievements in Cincinnati Reds Baseball span more than a century. From championships to legendary players, the Reds’ history reflects a tradition of excellence that continues to influence the sport today.
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
Reds – As a sports fan, you may be familiar with the Cincinnati Reds–one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises. But do you know how they got their nickname? The origins of the “Reds” moniker are quite exciting and have been debated for years!
Cincinnati Reds Origin
The first popular theory is that it was derived from the team's original name: The Red Stockings. 1882 this baseball club was known as "the Red Stockings" due to its red uniforms. This name stuck until 1890, when fans began referring to them simply as "the Reds."
Another theory suggests that the nickname came about because of Cincinnati's solid German heritage at the time; many locals referred to themselves as “Redskins” or “Redlegs," which eventually evolved into just "Reds." This explanation makes sense, given that red has long been associated with Germany and its people (think Oktoberfest!).
Finally, some believe that it could be related to an old newspaper headline from 1876 which read: "Cincinnati Base Ball Club – They Will Be Called 'The Reds.'" While there isn't any concrete evidence linking this article directly to today's team name, it does suggest a possible origin for why we call them what we do now!
Regardless of where its roots lie, one thing is sure - over 138 years later and through thick & thin times alike - these beloved Ohioans will always remain true-blue... REDS FANS!
Championship
World Series 5
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
- 1889
- 1919
- 1940
- 1975
- 1976
- 1990
- 2003
-
Dropped Stockings From Name (Reds)
In November 1889, the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Brooklyn Dodgers both left the Association for the National League. In the move, the Red Stockings dropped “Stockings” from their name. -
World Series Winner 1919
The 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series (along with 1903, 1920, and 1921). Baseball decided to try the best-of-nine format partly to increase the popularity of the sport and partly ... -
World Series Winner 1940
The 1940 World Series matched the Cincinnati Reds against the Detroit Tigers, the Reds winning a closely contested seven-game series for their second championship 21 years after their scandal-tainted victory in 1919. This would be the Reds’ last World Series championship for 35 years despite appearances in 1961, 1970, and 1972. Bill Klem worked the last of his record 18 ... -
World Series Winner 1975
The 1975 World Series of Major League Baseball was played between the Boston Red Sox (AL) and Cincinnati Reds (NL). It has been ranked by ESPN as the second-greatest World Series ever played. Cincinnati won the series four games to three. -
World Series Winner 1976
The 1976 World Series matched the defending champion Cincinnati Reds of the National League against the New York Yankees of the American League, with the Reds sweeping the Series to repeat. The Reds became (and remain) the only team to sweep an entire multi-tier postseason. The Reds are also the last National League team to win back-to-back World Series. It ... -
World Series Winner 1990
The 1990 World Series matched the defending champions and heavily favored Oakland Athletics against the Cincinnati Reds, with the Reds sweeping the Series in four games. It was the fifth 4-game sweep by the National League and second by the Reds (1976). It is remembered for Billy Hatcher’s seven consecutive hits. The sweep extended the Reds’ World Series-winning streak to ... -
Great American Ball Park
Great American Ball Park is a baseball stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). It opened in 2003, replacing Cinergy Field (formerly Riverfront Stadium), which had been their home field from June 1970 to 2002. Despite the patriotic tone of the name, the park’s name comes from the ...
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.
Cincinnati Reds History
The Cincinnati Reds History, once known as the Cincinnati Redlegs, dates back to 1882, making them one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball. Originally called the Red Stockings until 1890, the franchise became the “Reds” and went on to win five World Series titles, most recently in 1990, while claiming twelve National League championships.
The Cincinnati Reds Baseball journey began with on-field success but early financial struggles. Stability arrived with new ownership at the turn of the century, helping legendary players like Edd Roush and Pete Rose thrive. This era produced two World Series victories (1919 & 1940), cementing the Reds’ place in baseball’s elite history.
Reds Achievements
In 1956, the team ushered in its most dominant period with “The Big Red Machine,” one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Guided by Sparky Anderson and featuring Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Pérez, the Reds captured four NL pennants (1970–1972 & 1975) and back-to-back World Series titles (1975 & 1976).
Following this golden age, the team endured a lengthy rebuilding period throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. However, they returned to prominence by winning the 1990 World Series against the Oakland Athletics, ending a 14-year postseason drought.
Today, the Cincinnati Reds Baseball organization continues to honor its historic roots while building for the future. With playoff appearances in 2010, 2012, and beyond, the franchise remains dedicated to its legacy of excellence, keeping the Cincinnati Reds History alive for generations of fans across the MLB.
Sports Fan Products
Cincinnati Reds Team History: From Past to Present!
In this video, we explore the rich and storied Cincinnati Reds team history, tracing their journey from their founding in 1869 to their rise as one of baseball’s most iconic franchises. We'll delve into the team's greatest moments, legendary players, and the evolution of their identity over more than a century of play.
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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