Sports History

Born August 9, 1928, in Manhattan, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard, Bob Cousy. Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 season. Number 14 was a 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player, as he was a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty winning six NBA championships. NBA Jersey Number 14

Born October 17, 1859, in Hoagland, Ohio, Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher William "Buck" Ewing. This legend was the National League home run leader in 1883. He played on the MLB rosters of the NY Giants and Cincinnati Reds and was manager of both teams as well during his career. His career batting average was .303, and he hit 71 home runs with 883 RBIs before he was done playing.

Born August 4, 1867, in Hannibal, Missouri was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Jake Beckley. This legend had a MLB record 23,767 putouts ; career .308 hitter as he played for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Born November 1, 1859, in Massena, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Second Baseman Bid McPhee. This legend spent all 18 years of his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds organization. A great fielder of his era, McPhee was the last known second baseman not to wear a glove in the field.

Born September 25, 1835, in Sheffield, England was Baseball Hall of Fame center fielder and manager, Harry Wright. This legend is famous for establishing baseball's first fully professional team, Cincinnati Red Stockings 1869.

Born December 11, 1854, in Rochester, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher and Right Fielder Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn.

Charles Radbourn was a larger-than-life figure in the early days of baseball. He was a dominant pitcher, a prolific winner, and a source of endless fascination with his unorthodox routines and flamboyant personality.

Born to Pitch:

Born in Rochester, New York, in 1854, Radbourn displayed a natural talent for throwing from a young age. He honed his skills by repeatedly throwing a ball against a barn, strengthening his arm for the future challenges of professional baseball.

Early Success:

Radbourn made his major league debut in 1880 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He was known for his fastball, curveball, and exceptional control, which he attributed to his unconventional habit of chewing tobacco and rubbing it on the ball.

Record-Breaking Season:

Radbourn's most remarkable season came in 1884, when he won an astounding 59 games for the Providence Grays. This record stood for over 100 years and remains one of the most untouchable achievements in baseball history. He accomplished this feat by pitching a staggering 678 innings, a testament to his exceptional stamina and durability.

Unconventional Methods:

Radbourn was known for his quirky training methods and unorthodox approach to the game. He preferred to sleep in until noon, often arriving at the ballpark just moments before his scheduled start. He also had a reputation for enjoying a good drink, which some attributed to his occasional wildness on the mound.

Beyond Baseball:

Radbourn's life off the field was as colorful as his on-field exploits. He was a skilled hunter and fisherman, and he loved to gamble and tell stories. He also had a passionate side, volunteering his time to help the less fortunate.

Legacy:

Despite his eccentricities, Radbourn was a true pioneer of baseball. He helped shape the game with his innovative pitching style and his record-breaking achievements. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, receiving recognition for his remarkable career.

Beyond Numbers:

Old Hoss Radbourn was more than just a baseball player. He was a symbol of an era, a larger-than-life personality who captured the imagination of fans and solidified his place as a true legend of the game. His story continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding us that baseball is more than just statistics; it's about passion, dedication, and the thrill of the unexpected.
For more on Radbourn check out this Wikipedia bio:

Michael Joseph "King" Kelly (1857-1894) wasn't just a baseball player; he was a showman, a rule-bender, and an undeniable superstar. A flame-haired Irishman with a mischievous grin, Kelly carved his name into baseball history not just with his bat and glove but with his flamboyant personality and his relentless pursuit of entertainment on the diamond.
His journey began in the silk mills of Paterson, New Jersey, where Kelly discovered his love for the game. His raw talent soon took him to the professional ranks, landing him a spot with the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1878. From the very beginning, Kelly stood out. His dazzling defense at third base and his potent bat quickly earned him the nickname "Prince," later morphing into the regal "King."

But Kelly wasn't content with mere excellence. He craved spectacle, constantly pushing the boundaries of the game. He invented the hit-and-run before it was officially recognized, stole bases with reckless abandon (leading the league five times), and even coined the term "hook slide" after perfecting the maneuver himself. He captivated audiences with his chatter on the field, engaging in playful banter with fans and opponents alike.

His on-field exploits were equally impressive. A two-time batting champion, Kelly amassed impressive stats, hitting .388 in his peak year (1886) and racking up over 2,500 career hits. He led his teams, including the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Beaneaters, to eight pennants in his 16-year career, proving his prowess beyond his theatrical charm.

Yet, Kelly's life wasn't without its shadows. He battled gambling debts, struggled with alcoholism, and was suspended in 1891 for allegedly fixing a game (charges later disputed). Despite these controversies, his fans remained loyal, drawn to his undeniable charisma and his unparalleled talent.

Tragically, King Kelly's reign ended abruptly in 1894 at the age of 36. He succumbed to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that transcended wins and losses. He had redefined the role of the baseball player, transforming it from a simple athlete into a performer, a showman, and a captivating king of the diamond.

Even today, over a century after his last swing, King Kelly's legend lives on. His name graces the Baseball Hall of Fame, his spirit echoes in the flamboyant plays of modern stars, and his legacy as baseball's first celebrity reminds us that the game is as much about the showmanship as it is about the score.

Baseball echoes through the streets of Cincinnati like a song on the wind. From the iconic brick walls of Crosley Field to the electrifying atmosphere of Great American Ball Park, the story of the Cincinnati Reds is woven into the fabric of the city itself. Prepare to embark on a journey through over 140 years of triumphs and heartbreaks, legendary figures, and a passionate fan base that bleeds red (and often wears stripes).

We'll begin in the 1860s, where the tale of the "Red Stockings," America's first all-professional baseball team, ignites a national obsession with the sport. You'll meet baseball pioneers like Harry Wright and Cap Anson, their names forever etched in the game's history. We'll witness the early dominance of the Reds, capturing championships amidst heated rivalries and evolving rules.

But this story isn't just about trophies. We'll navigate the franchise's tumultuous turns, from financial struggles to rebranding as the "Redlegs" and back again. We'll relive the heartbreaking defeats and celebrate the unexpected comebacks, moments that tested the resilience of both team and fans.

Then, the golden age dawns. From the "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s, featuring legends like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Joe Morgan, to the 1990 World Series victory led by Barry Larkin and the "Nasty Boys," we'll delve into eras that solidified the Reds' place as baseball royalty.

This series is more than just statistics and box scores. It's about the cultural impact of a team on a city, the characters who brought the game to life, and the emotions that bind generations of fans together. So, grab your peanuts, raise your "Let's go Reds!" chant, and settle in as we unveil the captivating story of the Cincinnati Reds. The journey begins now!

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Sports History | The origin story of the Reds, the first professional team in baseball history.

Born April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was MLB legend Pete Rose. He was often called by his nickname, "Charlie Hustle", and was not only a former player but a manager as well. Rose played in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1986, most well-known as a member of the Cincinnati Reds but also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Montreal Expos. Rose played the positions of , First Baseman, Left Fielder, Third Baseman, Second Baseman, Right Field, and Center Field wearing the number 14 on the Cincinnati Reds (1963-78, 1984-86), Philadelphia Phillies (1979-83), and the Montreal Expos (1984) for 24 seasons as he batted 0.303 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.409, with 160 career Home Runs, and 2 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.