RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The origins of the modern Cincinnati Reds can be traced to the expulsion of an earlier team bearing that name. In 1876, Cincinnati became one of the charter members of the new National League, but the club ran afoul of league organizer and long-time president William Hulbert for selling beer during games and renting out their ballpark on Sundays. Both were important activities to entice the city's large German population. While Hulbert made clear his distaste for both beer and Sunday baseball at the founding of the league, neither practice was actually against league rules in those early years. On October 6, 1880, however, seven of the eight team owners pledged at a special league meeting to formally ban both beer and Sunday baseball at the regular league meeting that December. Only Cincinnati president W. H. Kennett refused to sign the pledge, so the other owners formally expelled Cincinnati for violating a rule that would not actually go into effect for two more months.
Cincinnati's expulsion from the National League incensed Cincinnati Enquirer sports editor O. P. Caylor, who made two attempts to form a new league on behalf of the receivers for the now bankrupt Reds franchise. When these attempts failed, he formed a new independent ballclub known as the Red Stockings in the Spring of 1881, and brought the team to St. Louis for a weekend exhibition. The Reds' first game was a 12–3 victory over the St. Louis club. After the 1881 series proved a success, Caylor and a former president of the old Reds named Justus Thorner received an invitation from Philadelphia businessman Horace Phillips to attend a meeting of several clubs in Pittsburgh with the intent of establishing a rival to the National League. Upon arriving in the city, however, Caylor and Thorner discovered that no other owners had decided to accept the invitation, with even Phillips not bothering to attend his own meeting. By chance, the duo met a former pitcher named Al Pratt, who hooked them up with former Pittsburgh Alleghenys president H. Denny McKnight. Together, the three men hatched a scheme to form a new league by sending a telegram to each of the other owners who were supposed to attend the meeting stating that he was the only person who did not attend and that everyone else was enthusiastic about the new venture and eager to attend a second meeting in Cincinnati. The ploy worked, and the American Association was officially formed at the Hotel Gibson in Cincinnati with the new Reds a charter member with Thorner as president.
Led by the hitting of third baseman Hick Carpenter, the defense of future Hall of Fame second baseman Bid McPhee, and the pitching of 40-game-winner Will White, the Reds won the inaugural AA pennant in 1882. With the establishment of the Union Association Justus Thorner left the club to finance the Cincinnati Outlaw Reds and managed to acquire the lease on the Reds Bank Street Grounds playing field, forcing new president Aaron Stern to relocate three blocks away at the hastily built League Park. The club never placed higher than second or lower than fifth for the rest of its tenure in the American Association.
In this 1956 audio clip, listeners are treated to a rare interview with Joe Adcock, a prominent Major League Baseball player best known for his powerful hitting while playing with the Milwaukee Braves. At the time of the interview, Adcock was in the prime of his career, having recently completed one of his most memorable seasons. Known for his strength and batting prowess, Adcock had a significant impact on the game, and this clip provides insight into his perspectives, experiences, and contributions during this pivotal time in baseball history. The interview offers a window into the mid-1950s era of the sport, reflecting the culture and challenges of the time.
The segment captures an era of baseball when players like Adcock were setting records and thrilling fans with their on-field exploits. His reflections and comments provide listeners with a personal glimpse into his career and the state of baseball during the 1950s. This interview is not just a piece of sports history but also a piece of cultural history, offering insights into the attitudes, values, and dynamics of Major League Baseball in the post-war era. For fans of the sport or historians of the era, this clip serves as an important artifact, preserving the voice and thoughts of one of the game’s notable figures at a significant moment in his career.
In this interview, the legendary baseball player Pete Rose, known for appearing in more winning...
Pete Rose Opens Up About His Prison Time / In this interview, the legendary baseball player Pete Rose, known for appearing in more winning games than anyone else in baseball history, is the featured guest. In 1985, he famously surpassed Ty Cobb to become the all-time hit king, a momentous achievement in his career.
The interview begins with a lighthearted tone, highlighting Rose's vibrant personality. He recalls a notable incident from the 1973 National League playoffs with Buddy Harrelson, where a disagreement escalated into a physical altercation. This anecdote illustrates the competitive nature of sports and Rose's intensity on the field.
Rose discusses his relationship with Harrelson, mentioning an amusing incident where their sons also ended up in a fight, indicating a humorous take on the idea of competitiveness being 'genetic.' The conversation then shifts to Rose's unique sliding technique, which he humorously relates to his hair style.
The interview takes a serious turn as Rose reflects on his time away from baseball, hinting at his legal issues and imprisonment. He candidly shares experiences from his incarceration, including interactions with other inmates and his involvement in prison sports as a coach.
Rose addresses public misconceptions about him, emphasizing the difference between his on-field persona and his off-field character. He admits to being aggressive and determined during games but describes himself as easygoing and friendly in everyday life.
The discussion also touches on Rose's perspective on baseball management, particularly regarding emotional outbursts from players like Rob Dibble. Rose acknowledges the importance of emotion in sports but stresses the need to control it to prevent harm.
Rose then expresses his desire to be reinstated in baseball, primarily to gain eligibility for the Hall of Fame. He speaks about his efforts to clean up his act and his hope for a future in baseball, albeit not necessarily in a managerial role.
Finally, the interview wraps up with Rose sharing his insights on the current state of baseball, including his views on teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins, and speculating on potential managerial opportunities with teams like the New York Yankees.
Throughout the interview, Rose's personality shines through, displaying both his passion for baseball and his ability to engage humorously and thoughtfully with his past and present experiences in the sport.
Fired up to sit down with one of the most iconic athletes in sports, Ryan,...
Ken Griffey Jr., Iconic Athlete Talks Career, Fatherhood, Aaron Judge & Lebron | The Pivot Podcast / Fired up to sit down with one of the most iconic athletes in sports, Ryan, Channing and Fred welcome one of their long time idols, Hall of Famer and thirteen-time All-Star, The Cincinnati Kid, Ken Griffey Jr. to the Pivot Podcast for a candid conversation covering his upbringing, relationship with his father, highs and lows of his career, the game of baseball today, becoming a pilot, and much more!
Known as one of the most prolific home run hitters baseball has ever had, Griffey Jr paved the way for many young black athletes to chase their dreams and became a global icon for his elite play, charismatic attitude and approach to the sport of baseball. Starting the backwards hat trend, earning nicknames of the natural and Cincinnati Kid were all part of the larger than life persona that fans idolized about the young athlete.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Ken Griffey, the young Griffey knew playing professional baseball was something obtainable at a young age. Ryan asks him about his experiences with his father growing up and Griffey Jr tells the guys that his father was a “normal” dad. An individual who took pride in household structure and spending quality time with his children. At home, he was dad and on the field he was my teammate.
It’s no secret that this father-son duo was historic.
On Sept 14, 1990, the Griffeys hit back-to-back home runs for the Mariners. They became the first, and still the only, father-son duo to hit back-to-back home runs in a Major League game.
Despite the accolades, Ken struggled with understanding who he truly was as a teen. In the shadows of his father’s legacy and the amounting pressures to be a star at a young age, Griffey Jr attempted suicide before getting to the Major Leagues, a moment that almost robbed the world of his talent, and he shares how this moment changed him and brought him even closer to his parents.
Ryan asks about the lack of diversity within MLB and what Griffey believes to be one word- money. Baseball serves to be a challenging sport for minority communities due to financial obligations. They guys speak on the reason behind why he wore #42 and how Griffey Jr understands that his legacy wouldn’t exist without Jackie Robinson’s ability to withstand. Fred and Channing ask about the use of steroids in the league and the effect it has had on the game and players as well as a personal whether he’s ever been affected by not winning a World Series, Ken lets the guys know he’s content because he gets to write HOF after his name and that to him is everything.
Switching to baseball today, the guys talk about the play of Aaron Judge and Griffey reveals how he recently exchanged messages with the New York Yankee and makes it known that he feels Judge is the best player in the game today.
The 1970 MLB All-Star-Game was held at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati which had just opened...
1970 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1970 MLB All-Star-Game was held at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati which had just opened weeks earlier. The game is notable for being the first All-Star game played at night, a tradition that has continued ever since. The 1970 game was also the first time since 1957 that the starting lineup was determined by fan voting. These two changes were a huge success, and this game still remains the highest-rated All-Star Game TV broadcast of all time. The NL attempted to extend their 7-game win streak with the likes of veterans Hank Aaron and Willie Mays along with youngsters Pete Rose and Johnny Bench
In 1970, the Cincinnati Reds, often referred to as the "Big Red Machine," were in...
1970 Cincinnati Reds Highlights - Radio / In 1970, the Cincinnati Reds, often referred to as the "Big Red Machine," were in the midst of forming one of the most dominant teams in baseball history. This era marked a significant period for the team, showcasing their rise to prominence in Major League Baseball. The highlights captured in this audio clip from a radio broadcast bring to life the thrilling moments and key accomplishments of the Reds during that transformative season. The narrative is enriched by the vibrant commentary that encapsulates the excitement and fervor surrounding the team's journey through the 1970 season, providing listeners with a vivid recollection of the Reds' prowess on the field.
The Cincinnati Reds' 1970 season was a testament to their emerging dominance, led by stars like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez. These highlights offer a glimpse into the team's chemistry, skill, and determination, which propelled them to the forefront of baseball during this era. The radio format adds an authentic and nostalgic layer to the experience, allowing fans and enthusiasts to relive the highs of the Reds' 1970 campaign through the captivating voice of the broadcaster, who brings each play and milestone to life with enthusiasm and precision.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Tops-in-Sports interview with Don Zimmer / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
The 1957 baseball season witnessed an intense rivalry between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati...
Brooklyn Dodgers vs Cincinnati Redlegs - Scully - Radio Broadcast / The 1957 baseball season witnessed an intense rivalry between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Both teams were formidable contenders in the National League, with August serving as a crucial month that showcased their strengths and weaknesses.
The Brooklyn Dodgers, led by stars such as Duke Snider and Gil Hodges, were known for their powerful hitting and solid pitching staff. In August, the Dodgers showcased their offensive prowess, consistently producing runs and maintaining a strong position in the league. Their pitching rotation, anchored by future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, also delivered stellar performances, ensuring the team remained competitive throughout the month.
On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds posed a formidable challenge to the Dodgers' dominance. Led by the legendary Frank Robinson and supported by strong pitching from players like Joe Nuxhall, the Reds proved to be fierce competitors. In August, the Reds displayed resilience, with both their offense and pitching excelling at crucial moments. This intense rivalry between the Dodgers and the Reds heightened the excitement for fans and set the stage for a captivating battle for the National League pennant.
On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field. The starting pitchers for the day were Davis for the Cardinals and Thompson for the Reds. The 1939 season was a significant one, with the Reds sitting atop the National League and the Cardinals not far behind. The Reds were looking to clinify their first pennant since 1919, while the Cardinals were hoping to repeat their World Series success from just a few years prior in 1934. The game was also set against the backdrop of an eventful season for Major League Baseball, with the first televised baseball game taking place earlier that year, and the onset of World War II casting uncertainty over future seasons.
The game started off with both teams holding their own, with the first inning ending scoreless. The second inning, however, saw a shift in momentum when the Reds' shortstop Myers hit a home run, sending Lombardi and Craft home and giving the Reds a 3-0 lead. This was a significant moment in the game, as Myers' home run was only his ninth of the season. Despite the Cardinals' best efforts, they were unable to score in the second inning, leaving the Reds with a comfortable lead.
In the following innings, the Cardinals made several attempts to close the gap. Their most significant scoring opportunity came in the third inning when Medwick hit a double, his second of the game, allowing the Cardinals to score their only run. Despite this, the Reds' defense, led by Thompson, managed to hold the Cardinals at bay. The Cardinals' pitching staff also worked hard to prevent the Reds from extending their lead, with Davis, Shoun, Bowman, Warneke, and Weiland all taking the mound throughout the game. However, the Reds' early lead proved insurmountable, and the game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Reds.
After this game, the Cincinnati Reds went on to win the National League pennant, their first in 20 years, and advanced to the World Series. However, they were defeated by the New York Yankees in a four-game sweep. Despite their loss in this particular game, the Cardinals had a strong season, finishing second in the National League. The 1939 season also saw several individual accomplishments, with Johnny Mize of the Cardinals leading the league in home runs and RBIs, and Lombardi of the Reds winning the National League MVP award.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Lloyd "Whitey" Moore / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Billy Sullivan Jr. / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Wes Schulmerich / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Infielder Tony Cuccinello / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Player Milt Shoffner / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Outfielder Nick Cullop / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Speech by Infielder Andy High / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Speech by 1929 AL Batting Champion Lew Fonseca / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Infielder Larry Kopf / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Baseball Pitcher Elmer Knetzer / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Hall of Fame Pitcher Rube Marquard / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.