On this day in 1914, the Reds scored three runs in the first inning off Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson. The Giants lifted Mathewson in the sixth inning, but the damage was done. The Reds won, 3-2.
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On this day in 1917, former Red, Hod Eller, struck out the Giants' side on nine pitches in the final inning to wrap up a victory over New York. The Reds won, 7-5.
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On this day in 1937, George Wright died in Boston at age 90. Wright is most famous for playing shortstop for the original Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869 and 1870. Unlike his English-born brother Harry, George was born in Yonkers, NY. Harry first organized a Cincinnati team in 1868. The 1868 team was said to have been one of the best teams in the west. Although the players were likely compensated in someway, the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) did not officially allow professionals to play until the next season. The 1869 Red Stockings famously finished the season 57-0. George put up video game numbers - .633 with 49 home runs, and his $1400 salary over nine months was also the highest on the team.
After the 1870 season, Cincinnati dropped its professional status, and Harry organized a new team in Boston that included several members of the original Cincinnati Red Stockings. George Wright and the Boston Red Stockings dominated the fledgling National Association (NA), winning four of the league's five championships. George holds the NA career triples record with 41. The Red Stockings would later become the Braves, making them, not the modern Reds, the oldest team in baseball.
George later designed America's first public golf course (Franklin Park) in Boston in 1890. He died of a stroke shortly after his induction into the Hall of Fame.
On this day in 1964, former Red Billy McCool struck out nine in 6 2/3 relief innings to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3-2. McCool only allowed one hit.---
On this day in 1967, former Red Jim Maloney allowed only two hits in a shutout of San Francisco. The Reds won, 2-0.
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On this day in 1977, former Red Tom Seaver returned to Shea Stadium for the first time as a Red. He struck out 11 Mets as the Reds won, 5-1.
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On this day in 1990, former Reds player and current Reds first base coach, Billy Hatcher, tied a major league by hitting four doubles in a an 8-1 romp of the Chicago Cubs. Former Reds manager Lou Piniella was also ejected for throwing his hat to the ground.
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On this day in 1991, former Red Arthur Rhodes made his major league debut in Baltimore for the Orioles. The Colossus went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs. Although Rhodes did not earn a decision, the Orioles beat the Rangers, 4-3. Rhodes was just 21 years old at the time.