On this day in 1908, the Reds traded third baseman Dave Brain and lefty Jake Weimer to the Giants for righty Bob Spade and $5,000.
On this day in 1930, the Reds released George "High Pockets" Kelly. He was basically done as a player at that point, making only another 404 plate appearances in the major leagues after leaving CIncinnati. Kelly was merely a good player, but the Frankie Frisch-era Veterans Committee inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1973. It was one of the worst selections in the Hall's history. The Veterans Committee inducted a number of Frisch's teammates in the early seventies in an embarrassing display of cronyism.
On this day in 1945, former Red Hal McRae was born in Avon Park, FL. McRae spent four seasons with the Reds before Cincinnati traded him to Kansas City in 1972.
On this day in 1970, former Red Woody Woodward hit his only major league home run against the Braves in an 11-9 loss.
On this day in 2003, Paul Wilson had about the worst first inning imaginable when he gave eight runs on seven hits to the Astros without recording an out. Shortstop Ray Olmedo contributed to the mess with a throwing error. The Reds replaced Wilson with John Riedling. The damage was done, but Riedling gave up another run to put the Reds behind 9-0 after the first. The Astros went on to win, 11-2. Hat-tip to Chris Jaffe for highlighting Wilson's rough day at the park.
Also on this day in 2003, former Red Laynce Nix made his major league debut with the Rangers at the age of 22. Nix started in centerfield against the Twins and went one for four with a run.
On this day in 2010, former Red Travis Wood took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Phillies. Unfortunately, Carlos Ruiz led off the inning with a double to break up the perfecto. Wood pitched around Ruiz' hit to complete the inning without any other baserunners. However, the Reds offense hadn't scored against Philadelphia's Roy Halladay either. The game went to extras, and the Phillies won in the 11th inning on a Jimmy Rollins single.