Sports History

Joe Kelley, born in 1871, was a versatile and dynamic Major League Baseball player who carved his name in the game's history during his 17-year career.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom:

Kelley's athletic journey began in 1891 with the Boston Beaneaters. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset with his speed and batting prowess. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname "Kingpin" during his stint with the Baltimore Orioles from 1892 to 1898.

Dominant Years:

From 1894 to 1898, Kelley emerged as one of the most productive players in baseball. He drove in at least 100 runs in each season, amassing a total of 573 RBIs during that stretch. This impressive feat placed him second only to Hugh Duffy in terms of RBIs during that period.

Versatility and Leadership:

Kelley's versatility extended beyond hitting. He showcased his fielding skills as a left fielder and even served as a player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1902 to 1905. In his managerial role, he led the Reds to a third-place finish in 1904, demonstrating his leadership abilities.

Continued Success:

Despite a slight decline in production towards the end of his career, Kelley remained a valuable contributor to his teams. He played for various teams, including the Brooklyn Superbas and the Baltimore Orioles (AL), until his retirement in 1908.

Legacy and Recognition:

Joe Kelley's impact on baseball is undeniable. He finished his career with a respectable .317 batting average and 443 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Ernie Lombardi, best known for his Hall of Fame career as a catcher with the Cincinnati Reds, was a unique figure in baseball history. Though overshadowed by his iconic "Schnozz" and his success behind the plate, Lombardi's baseball journey started long before catching Johnny Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters.

Early Brilliance on the West Coast:

Born in 1908, Lombardi's baseball prowess manifested early. Playing professionally in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) at just 18, he quickly established himself as a prolific hitter. Nicknamed "The Man with the Horsehide Glue" for his seemingly effortless ability to stick with pitches, Lombardi routinely led the league in batting average during his PCL years. However, his lack of speed and a throwing arm considered below average limited his appeal to major league teams.

Brooklyn's Blunder and Lombardi's Rise:

The Brooklyn Robins, hesitant about his defensive limitations, traded Lombardi to the Cincinnati Reds in 1933. This proved to be a monumental miscalculation. In Cincinnati, Lombardi thrived. While his defensive deficiencies persisted, his exceptional hitting, highlighted by his power and high on-base percentage, quickly earned him a starting role.

A Beloved Figure and MVP Recognition:

Lombardi's quirky personality and dedication to the game endeared him to fans. Despite his lumbering gait, he became known for his hustle and leadership. His offensive production reached its peak in 1938, where he led the National League in batting average (.342) and on-base percentage (.423), earning him the league's Most Valuable Player Award. This same year, he was behind the plate for Vander Meer's historic feat, further solidifying his place in Reds history.

Born April 6, 1908, in Oakland, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Ernie Lombardi. Lombardi was an eight-time MLB All-Star, a World Series Champion in 1940, and the National League MVP in 1938. His career spanned from playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves, and the New York Giants. One of the Top MLB players to have worn Jersey 27.

The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June including:
1870 - At the Capitoline Grounds in Brooklyn, the Cincinnati Red Stockings see their 130-game consecutive winning streak (81 official games and 49 exhibitions) come to an end.
1979 - The Giants lose to the Cubs 8-6, but Willie McCovey hits his 513th career home run.

June 16, 1978 - Tom Seaver pitches the only no-hitter of his brilliant career. Seaver strikes out three and walks three as the Cincinnati Reds defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 - 0, at Riverfront Stadium. Seaver had barely missed pitching no-hitters on three previous occasions, losing the bid each time in the 9th inning.

Born December 7, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as Johnny Bench. Bench is a Baseball Hall of Fame, Catcher, who also played a bit of Third Baseman, First Baseman, Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and Center Fielder wearing the Number 5 on the Cincinnati Reds (1967-83) for 17 seasons as he batted 0.267 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.476, with 389 career Home Runs, and 10 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Johnny is one of the Top Baseball Jersey Number 5s in History. : Johnny Bench Reds Hall of Fame

The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June including:
1934 - The Reds become the first team to travel in an airplane.
2001 - Carlos Lee hits a two-out walk-off grand slam to give the Sox a dramatic victory over the Cubs, 7 - 3.

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Kroger Groceries will be a sponsor of the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 via a Kroger patch on the Reds players' kerseys.

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Cincinnati Reds Stockings

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Cincinnati Red Stockings