Cincinnati Reds Game Schedule and Tickets

Reds Early History

Founded in 1876, the Cincinnati Reds organization was one of the founding members of the National League. However, they did not begin to play until 1882. Why? Because they irritated league President William Hulbert by selling beer at the ballpark and playing games on Sunday. Don’t laugh. After many arguments and debates, the Reds finally began to play in 1882, under the name of the Cincinnati Red Stockings. In 1890 they changed their name to the Cincinnati Reds and it remained that way until 1953. In 1954 they tried a short-lived experiment with the name Redlegs but switched back to Reds following the 1958 season. What is more interesting, is all the different places they have called home in Cincinnati.

When the Reds organization originally began to play in 1882 under the name of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, they played at Bank Street Grounds. They only played there for two seasons before moving into League Park (I), which was also known as American Park. They played there from 1884 to 1893 before moving into League Park (II), in 1894. They played in the Second League Park from 1894 to 1901. In 1902 they moved into League Park (III) which was also known as the Palace of the Fans. They played there from 1902 to 1911 before moving into Crosley Field in 1912. Also known as Redland Field, the Reds stayed in Crosley Field through the end of the 1970 season. In 1971 they moved into Riverfront Stadium, also known as Cinergy Field, and stayed there until 2002. In 2003 they moved into their current home, The Great American Ballpark.

The Reds have enjoyed success during their history. They have won 9 National League Pennants most recently in 1990. In addition, they have also won five World Series, 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990. The Reds teams of the 1970s were perhaps the greatest baseball team ever built. The first four players in the batting order, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez, are all in the hall of fame or should be, as we know all about Pete Rose. But that is a different story for a different day. Rose is baseball’s all-time leader in hits, Perez hit over 500 home runs, Johnny Bench might be the greatest catcher who ever lived, and Joe Morgan showed the world that players can have both power and speed, becoming one of the most electrifying players in baseball history.

The Reds fell on some tough times since their World Series title but have rebuilt, and are now one of the most exciting teams in baseball. Joey Votto might now be the game’s best first baseman. Billy Hamilton is young talent at the top of the lineup who can flat out fly. Brandon Phillips is the ever-present professional. Jay Bruce, when he is on, is perhaps the scariest hitter in the game. Then you have a strong rotation anchored by Johnny Cueto and Matt Latos. Add into that the most terrifying closer in the game in the “Cuban Missle” Aroldis Chapman, and you have all the ingredients needed for a team that is more than worth watching.