Cincinnati Reds

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1881

  • Original Name/City: Cincinnati Red Stockings

  • Current Ballpark: Great American Ball Park

  • World Series Titles: 5 (1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, 1990)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Big Red Machine

A History of the Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds hold a special place in baseball history as the direct descendants of the 1869 Red Stockings, the first openly all-professional baseball team. The current franchise was officially founded in 1881 and was a charter member of the American Association before joining the National League in 1890.

The team's first championship came in the 1919 World Series, a title forever linked to the infamous "Black Sox Scandal," where their opponents, the Chicago White Sox, were accused of throwing the series. The Reds won another title in 1940, but the franchise's identity would be forged three decades later.

The 1970s saw the emergence of one of the most dominant teams in baseball history: "The Big Red Machine." Playing on the artificial turf of Riverfront Stadium, this powerhouse roster featured Hall of Fame talent at nearly every position, including Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Pérez, along with baseball's all-time hits leader, Pete Rose.

Managed by Sparky Anderson, the Reds dominated the decade, winning back-to-back World Series championships in 1975 and 1976 and cementing their place as an iconic dynasty.

The franchise captured one more title in stunning fashion in 1990. Led by Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin and the "Nasty Boys" bullpen, the underdog Reds went "wire-to-wire," holding first place for the entire season and capping it with a shocking sweep of the heavily favored Oakland Athletics in the World Series.

In 2003, the team moved into Great American Ball Park, a modern stadium on the banks of the Ohio River. The Reds and their fans continue to celebrate a proud history while pursuing the next great era of Cincinnati baseball.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1881: Founded as the Cincinnati Red Stockings in the American Association.

  • 1890: Joined the National League and shortened name to Reds.

  • 1912: Moved into Crosley Field.

  • 1919: Won their first World Series.

  • 1970: Moved into Riverfront Stadium.

  • 1975-1976: The "Big Red Machine" wins back-to-back World Series titles.

  • 1990: Won their fifth World Series.

  • 2003: Moved into their current home, Great American Ball Park.

Legendary Players

Johnny Bench (1967-1983)

  • Bench revolutionized the catcher position with his one-handed style, cannon arm, and potent bat. The leader of the Big Red Machine, he won two NL MVP awards, 10 Gold Gloves, and was the 1976 World Series MVP. He is widely considered the greatest catcher in baseball history.

Joe Morgan (1972-1979)

  • The engine of the Big Red Machine, Morgan was a unique blend of speed, power, and intelligence. He won back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1975 and 1976, the same years the Reds won the World Series. The Hall of Fame second baseman was a master of the "stolen base-plus-home run" combination.

Pete Rose (1963-1978, 1984-1986)

  • "Charlie Hustle" is baseball's all-time career hits leader with 4,256. His relentless, hard-nosed style of play defined the Reds for two decades. While his subsequent ban from baseball for gambling has kept him out of the Hall of Fame, his on-field importance to Cincinnati, especially the Big Red Machine, is undeniable.

Barry Larkin (1986-2004)

  • A Cincinnati native, Larkin became the hometown hero and the leader of the next generation of Reds baseball. The slick-fielding shortstop won the 1995 NL MVP award and captained the 1990 "wire-to-wire" World Series championship team, spending his entire Hall of Fame career with the franchise.