On this day in 1963, former Red and current Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley was born in Florence, AL. In four seasons with the Reds, Brantley pitched 218.1 innings (all in relief) with a 2.64 ERA (159 ERA+). Brantley also struck out nearly a batter an inning (8.9 K/9) while in Cincinnati and collected 88 saves for the Reds. His best season in Cincinnati came in 1996 when he led the major leagues with 44 saves (Todd Worrell also saved 44 games for the Dodgers). The Cowboy had 2.8 WPA and saved 13.5 situational runs (RE24) that season on his way to the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award. Have an ice cream sundae for us, Mr. Brantley.
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On this day in 1983, Reds rookie Jeff Russell took a no-hitter into the eighth inning at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The right-hander later lost the game as well. The Giants won, 3-2.
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On this day in 1997, former Red Deion Sanders left the Reds for the remainder of the season in order to play for the Dallas Cowboys. At the time of his departure, Sanders led the NL with 56 stolen bases, but the Pirates' Tony Womack passed Sanders before the end of the season. Womack finished with 60 stolen bases.
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On this day in 1999, the Reds slammed five home runs to bring the team's two day total up to 14. (The Reds had set a major league record with nine home runs the day before.) The Reds' 14 big flies also established a new major league record for a two day total. The Reds beat the Phillies, 9-7.
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On this day in 2007, Brandon Phillips smacked his 28th home run of the year, setting a new club record for most home runs by a second baseman. Joe Morgan had previously held the record with 27 homers in 1976. Joey Votto also clubbed his first home run as the Reds beat the Mets, 7-0.