:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1880769/142950963.0.jpg)
On this day in 1894, Reds Hall of Famer Rube Bressler was born in Coder, PA. Bressler played in Cincinnati from 1917 through 1927. When he first came to the Queen City Bressler was predominately a pitcher, but moved to the outfield full-time in 1921. He also played several seasons at first base for the Reds. As a hurler for the Reds, he went 12-9 with a 2.76 ERA (100 ERA+) in 199 innings. Bressler slashed .311/.379/.416 (115 OPS+) in 2543 plate appearances for the Reds. He retired after the 1932 season. Cincinnati inducted him into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1963. Bressler died in Mount Washington, OH in 1966 at age 72.
On this day in 1920, a Chicago grand jury indicted Abe Atell, Hal Chase, and Bill Burns due to their involvement in the 1919 World Series fix.
On this day in 1922, Reds Hall of Famer Ewell Blackwell was born in Fresno, CA. Blackwell pitched for the Reds in 1942 and from 1946 until he was traded to the Yankees during the 1952 season. The right-hander served in the military during the 1943-45 seasons. While in Cincinnati, Blackwell was one of the best pitchers in the National League. He led the league in wins, complete games, strikeouts, and strikeout-to-walk ratio in 1947 when he finished second in the most valuable player award voting (to Bob Elliott of the Boston Braves). Blackwell later led the league in strikeouts per nine innings in 1950. His 1947 season was worth 9.1 bWAR, good for first in the baseball (Warren Spahn also had 9.1). Blackwell also made the all-star team every season from 1946 through 1951. He died in Hendersonville, NC in 1996 at age 74. Blackwell was called "The Whip" due to his distinctive sidearm delivery.
On this day in 1931, Hall of Famer and St. Xavier High School alumnus Jim Bunning was born in Southgate, KY.
On this day in 1943, former Red Heinie Peitz died in Cincinnati. With a name like that, he was destined to play in the Queen City.
On this day in 1945, Brooklyn's Branch Rickey announced that the Dodgers had signed Jackie Robinson.
On this day in 1981, the Reds sold infielder Junior Kennedy to the Cubs for $50,000.