On this day in 1859, Hall of Famer Buck Ewing was born in Hoagland, OH. Ewing played the last three seasons of his career in Cincinnati (1895-1897) where he slashed .302/.358/.431 (95 wRC+) in 765 plate appearances. While he was predominately a catcher in his career, Ewing played first base for the Reds. Ewing was one of the National League's best players during the 1880s when he played for New York. Bill James lists Ewing as the catcher on the major league 1880s All-Star team in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract. James also mentions that Ewing was considered the best player of the nineteenth century. In fact, Ewing tied with Cap Anson for the most votes among nineteenth century players in the inaugural Hall of Fame election. The Veteran's Committee inducted Ewing into the Hall of Fame in 1939.
On this day in 1906, Reds Hall of Famer Paul Derringer was born in Springfield, KY. The Reds acquired Derringer in the early part of the 1933 season from St. Louis. He pitched in Cincinnati through the 1942 season. During this time, Derringer posted a record of 161-150 with a 3.36 ERA (111 ERA+) in 2615.1 innings. He led the league in a variety of categories (innings pitched, complete games, losses, and winning percentage, among others) in various seasons while in the Queen City. Derringer was a key member of the Reds' rotation during the championship seasons of 1939 and 1940.
On this day in 1927, former Red Johnny Klippstein was born in Washington, D.C. Klippstein pitched for Cincinnati from 1955 into part of 1958 and again in 1962. While in the Queen City, Klippstein compiled a record of 39-40 with a 4.27 ERA (95 ERA+) in 636.2 innings.
On this day in 1929, the Reds purchased Bob Meusel from the New York Yankees.
On this day in 1953, former Red Jim Delahanty died in Cleveland. Delahanty was one of five brothers to play in the major leagues; Ed, Tom, Frank, and Joe being the others. Ed Delahanty, of course, was the best of the bunch and is in the Hall of Fame. Jim has one of the more interesting Baseball-Reference photographs that I have seen.
On this day in 1962, former Red Glenn Braggs was born in 1962.
On this day in 1976, the Reds defeated the Yankees in game two of the World Series at Riverfront Stadium, 4-3. The score was tied with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning when Ken Griffey, Sr. reached on a throwing error by New York shortstop Fred Stanley. The Yankees then intentionally walked Joe Morgan before Tony Perez drove in Griffey on a liner to left field. With the victory, the Reds took a 2-0 lead in the series.
On this day in 1990, the wire-to-wire Reds worked a little magic of their own in game two of the Fall Classic at Riverfront Stadium. With the score tied in the bottom of the tenth, the Reds strung together three one-out singles against Dennis Eckersley to win 5-4 over the Oakland A's. Joe Oliver drove in Billy Bates with a groundball single to left to provide the winning run. Billy Hatcher led the way for Cincinnati, going four for four with two doubles, a triple, two runs, an RBI, and an intentional walk. Hatcher also extended his hitting streak to seven, which tied Thurman Munson's World Series record. With the win, the Reds took a 2-0 lead in the series.