I don't expect to see another Reds championship in my lifetime, thanks to baseball's lack of revenue sharing and the franchise's own problems.

If the franchise is dead, the question is, on what day did it expire. I would suggest the following possibilities:

October 14, 1995:
The Braves defeat the Reds 6-0 to complete a NLCS sweep. In the series, the Reds score a total of 5 runs in 39 innings of play. This season marks the end of over a decade of consistently competitive play for the franchise.

February 10, 2000:
Coming off a good winning season, and with a new ballpark in the works, the Reds sign Ken Griffey, Jr. 'Nuff said.

May 2, 2005:
Returning home after a disasterous road trip, the Reds allow a 7 run comeback in the 9th against the Cardinals. The loss highlights all the Reds' problems in terms of indifferent play, bad attitudes, poor coaching, and questionable roster moves.

I invite your comments. Thanks. Joe