Cincinnati Reds Tickets

CINCINNATI REDS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1882
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Stadium: Great American Ballpark
Conference: National League
Division: Central Division
Rivals: Pittsburg Pirates, Houston Astros
Notable Players: John Paciorek, Nolan Ryan, Jimmy Wynn, Bob Bruce, Ken Johnson
Cincinnati Reds World Series Title: 5 - Last World Series appearance 1990
Cincinnati Reds NL Championships: 9 - Last Championship appearance 1990

The Cincinnati Reds are the oldest professional baseball team in history, dating back to 1869 when they were called the Cincinnati Red Stockings of the American Association. On June 1, 1869, the Red Stockings played against the Mansfield Independents in the first match up of all paid players. Of course, back then, the entire Red Stockings team made $11,000 collectively, but it was a major event that laid the groundwork for American professional sports. The Red Stockings changed their name to the Reds in 1878 and joined the National League in 1890. This began a long and illustrious history that has culminated in five world championships and brought many memories to Cincinnati fans.

While the Reds won championships in 1919 and 1940, when most baseball fans think back upon the team's history, they think of the Big Red Machine. The Reds absolutely dominated the National League during the early to mid-'70s, winning five NL West titles, four NL pennants and two World Series. The name originated from a 1969 article that quoted Reds manager Dave Bristol after a particularly scrappy game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The name stuck and aptly described the collection of top-tier talent that the Reds' fielded year after year. With all-time greats like Pete Rose, Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan, this was truly the Reds' golden age and is considered one of the greatest dynasties in the history of professional baseball.

While the Big Red Machine holds a special place in Reds fans' hearts, the team's 1990 championship may have been just as sweet. The stellar bullpen of Randy Myers, Rob Dibble and Norm Charloton was known as the "Nasty Boys," and helped shut out opposing hitters all season long. The Reds would crush the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Championship Series en route to a World Series date with the Oakland Athletics. Although the A's lineup was one of the fiercest in baseball, the Reds' timely hitting and clutch relievers helped them pull off the sweep in four games.

With the glittering new Great American Ballpark built in 2003, the Reds now have one of the most beautiful locales to catch a ballgame in the Major Leagues. Coming off a surprise division championship in 2010, the Reds have positioned themselves as one of the leading contenders in the NL pennant race.

See Also:
Cincinnati Reds playoff tickets
Cincinnati Reds Preview History