Cincinnati, Ohio
⚾ Cincinnati Reds

Fielding a team every year since 1882, the Cincinnati Reds are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest teams and have become a legendary ballclub in their own right. The Reds have made their home at seven stadiums in the last century and a half, setting records and winnings trophies all across the Queen City. They currently play at the gem known as Great American Ball Park, which holds more than 43,000 people and is the 9th largest ballpark in the league.

Their Roots

The origin of the Reds dates all the way back to 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings were formed as the first true professional baseball team in the United States. These all-pros competed in the National Association of Base Ball Players, smashing their way across the continent and posting an unprecedented 57-0 record. In 1871, the team was disbanded and some of the squad was re-employed in Boston. That team would come to be known as the Boston Braves, later moving to Milwaukee and then becoming the Atlanta Braves in 1966.

By 1876, baseball had been revived in southwest Ohio. The new Red Stockings were a founding member of the National League, though they would be kicked out of the circuit four years later for their defiance in beer sales and Sunday ballpark usage. The Reds’ final form was launched in 1881 with the creation of the American Association, a rival league that was partially absorbed by the NL about a decade after its inception. Cincinnati, however, would jump over to the League in the fall of 1889.

Since rejoining the Major League ranks, the Reds have won 10 division titles, clinched 9 National League pennants and claimed five World Series crowns. Despite their dominance and success in the 20th century, they’ve struggled to maintain their winning ways. The team’s most recent championship was nearly forty years ago, and they’ve only clinched two division titles since the advent of the millennium.

Their Residences

Beginning in 1882, the Reds played at Bank Street Grounds in the northwest part of the city. Then, after stints at two different versions of League Park, the team moved in to the Palace of the Fans in 1902. The venue was architecturally stunning and was a noble home for Cincinnati baseball, but it fell into disrepair after just 10 seasons of use. By the start of the 1912 campaign, the ballpark that would become Crosley Field had been built on the same site. A prize of the jewel box era, Crosley helped propel the Reds to glory and even saw the hoisting of the 1940 World Series trophy. It was the stadium that truly saw the Reds grow up.

The franchise relocated closer to downtown Cincinnati in 1970, sharing multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium with the NFL’s Bengals. While this so-called concrete donut lacked character and distinctiveness, it was a dependable facility for the “Big Red Machine”, the powerhouse Reds lineups of the ’70s. In 2003, the team’s seventh home opened directly next door and was christened Great American Ball Park. Outside the main gates of this retro classic stadium stand several statues honoring players like Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski, and Frank Robinson – all arranged in life-sized mid-game formation – as well as legendary broadcaster Joe Nuxhall.

Their Hall of Fame

The largest in-stadium team-specific museum in Major League Baseball, the Reds’ treasure trove of trophies, memorabilia and regalia on display at their Hall of Fame is unmatched. As one walks through the team’s history, they’ll see exhibits touching on “The Great Eight”, Cincy’s ties to the Negro Leagues, minor league affiliates and Reds commentators. You can even try your hand at some play-by-play and take a seat behind a television broadcast booth. A wall of panels also features hundreds of Reds’ baseball cards for visitors to leaf through.

The Champions Gallery is home to the organization’s World Series trophies, accompanied by cases filled with artifacts from each and a highlight reel that loops in the background. Another eye-catching part of the museum is its massive wall of 4,256 baseballs – representing Pete Rose’s record amount of hits – with some even being game-used balls from momentous occasions.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is open during the season from 10am-5pm on non-gamedays, from 10am-8pm on gamenights and from 10am until two hours after the conclusion of afternoon games. In the offseason, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays and during Bengals home games.

Their Revelry

Great American Ball Park is a true locally-inspired ballpark, heavily accentuating Cincinnati’s status as an industrial river city. The outfield porch is adorned with two steamboat smokestacks that blow fireworks, steam and flames which are shot off during player introductions, after home runs, and to celebrate home team victories.

The facility was thoughtfully designed to allow unobstructed views for fans. Nicknamed “The Gap”, a cut in the upper deck affords lower level sightlines of the headquarters of the Great American Insurance Group – the city’s iconic crowned skyscraper – and vice versa. Beyond the outfield, the Ohio River and Kentucky are visible, making GABP the only Major League park in which it’s possible for a home run to be hit into a different state, a feat first accomplished by Adam Dunn in 2004.

Throughout the concourse, many murals and reliefs pay homage to Reds’ stars and the club’s long history as well.

Their Return

Each spring, baseball madness rains down upon Cincinnati, a city that puts on an Opening Day ceremony like no other. More than 100,000 people turn out for the Reds’ first game of the season, which is celebrated with a massive downtown parade and festival. This insanely popular Queen City tradition marks the most anticipated season opener amongst the 30 teams, turning Opening Day into an annual citywide holiday. Because of the jubilee surrounding it, the Reds are the only MLB team that’s always scheduled to begin their season at home.

With a legacy stretching back more than 150 years, the Reds have become forever intertwined with baseball, an integral piece of Americana and summertime sport. Armed with numerous trophies and a massive and loyal fanbase, no amount of struggle will ever take down the mighty Reds machine.

Info Invasion

Parking: Park for free on the streets of Covington, Kentucky and enjoy a brisk walk across the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge
Nearby Venue(s): Day Air Ballpark, Fifth Third Arena
In the Area: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center