On this day in 1874, former Red Topsy Hartsel was born in Polk, OH. Hartsel was a leftfielder with a patient approach at the plate. He led the AL in walks five times during his ten-year stint with the Philadelphia Athletics. Hartsel also led the league twice in on-base percentage and once in runs. His stint with Cincinnati lasted only 18 games in 1900, but Hartsel produced in that limited time, slashing .328/.403/.484 (134 wRC+) with two home runs and 10 runs.
On this day in 1903, former Red Babe Herman was born in Buffalo, NY. Herman is best remembered for his days in Brooklyn, but he also spent two and a half seasons in Cincinnati. While with the Reds in 1932, he led the league with 19 triples.
On this day in 1913, Cincinnati's Federal League team moved to Covington, KY. At that time, the Federal League was still considered a minor league and would not declare itself a major league until the following season. The club failed in Covington and moved to Kansas City the following month.
On this day in 1979, George Foster homered twice off of Joe Niekro at the Astrodome, but the Astros scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth to defeat the Reds, 6-5.
On this day in 1985, the Reds unleashed 11 hits en route to a 6-4 victory over the Giants at Riverfront Stadium. Cincinnati's Gary Redus led off the game with a home run off of San Francisco's Mike Krukow. Dave Parker added a solo shot of his own, and Tom Browning tripled to help his own cause.
On this day in 2005, Brian "Rusty" Shackelford made his major league debut with the Reds. Shackelford pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief against the Indians. He allowed no runs and struck out Grady Sizemore.
On this day in 2009, the Reds traded outfielder Norris Hopper to the White Sox for Corky Miller.