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On this day in 1904, the Reds sold catcher Bill Bergen to the Brooklyn Superbas. Bergen is widely considered to be the worst hitter to accrue significant playing time in the major leagues. He slashed .170/.194/.201 (21 OPS+) in over 3000 plate appearances in his career, which lasted 11 seasons.
On this day in 1907, Cincinnati acquired pitcher Jack Harper, cash, and a player to be named later from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later. Later that day, the Cubs sent outfielder Doc Gessler to Cincinnati while the Reds sent pitcher Chick Fraser to Chicago to complete the trade. I have no idea why the teams bothered to announce the inclusion of PTBNLs since both clubs announced the players on the same day. One would think that the teams were close enough to selecting the players to simply delay the announcement by a few hours.
On this day in 1964, the American League prevented Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley from moving the team from Kansas City to Louisville. Finley was the only owner that voted in favor of the proposed move. I do not think such a relocation was possible for several reasons, but one wonders how a major league team in Louisville would have fared at that point in time. No club would have felt the effects more strongly than the Reds. The franchises would have been a mere 100 miles apart in an area without the population to support two big league clubs.
On this day in 1970, former Red Ron Villone was born in Englewood, NJ.
On this day in 1984, former Red Matt Maloney was born in Sandusky, OH.
On this day in 2003, the owners introduced a minimum age requirement of 14 for bat boys. The rule is a direct result of J.T. Snow almost running over three year-old Darren Baker at the plate in the 2002 World Series. Darren is the son of current Reds manager Dusty Baker.
On this day in in 2011, Cincinnati signed Joey Votto to a three-year, $38 million contract extension.
On this day in 2012, the Reds signed Ryan Ludwick and Dioner Navarro.
DerekH91 earned the point yesterday.
1) The city of Louisville had two major league teams in the 19th century. The Louisville Grays played in the NL in 1876 and 1877. The Louisville Colonels played in the American Association and the NL from 1882 through 1899. Name the six Hall of Famers that played for the Colonels. One point will be awarded for each player.