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On this day in 1925, the Reds lost outfielder George Burns when the Phillies claimed him off of waivers. Burns was a patient hitter who often hit in the lead-off spot for John McGraw's Giants in the 1910s. He led the league in runs scored on four occasions and in walks on five occasions, including 1923 when he was with the Reds. There was another George Burns who played in the AL at about the same time. Both men were younger than George Burns the comedian (we'll have to check on that last fact).
On this day in 1980, the Reds released righty reliever Manny Sarmiento.
On this day in 1986, Cincinnati traded infielder Wayne Krenchicki to Montreal in exchange for lefty Norm Charlton and a player to be named later (minor league shortstop Tim Barker).
On this day in 2007, Josh Hamilton made his major league debut with the Reds. He pinch-hit for Kirk Saarloos in the bottom of the eighth inning and lined out to left field. Hamilton played left field in the top of the ninth. The Reds defeated the Cubs, 5-1.
On this day in 2010, former Red Mike Cuellar died in Orlando, FL at the age of 72. Most everyone remembers Cuellar as a member of Baltimore's stellar rotation in the early 1970s. However, he appeared in two games with the Reds in 1959. He won the Cy Young Award in 1969 with the Orioles.
On this day in 2012, Cincinnati signed Joey Votto to a 10-year, $225 million extension.
I tallied the points from the offseason trivia contest. Kevin Mitchell is Batman won a close race with 12 points. Quone finished second with 11 points, and RoastBeefKazenzakis rounded out the top three with 10 points. The day-by-day results and final standings are below. If you notice any errors, please let me know, and I will correct the final standings as soon as possible.
I'm open to suggestions for an in-season game or contest. We could have another trivia contest that runs through the end of the season or something completely different. If you have any idea at all, please post it in the comments.