The Cincinnati Reds can trace their beginnings back to 1869 when they were called the Cincinnati Red Stockings. In 1876, the Red Stockings became a charter member of the National League—a membership that was revoked in 1880 partly because the franchise refused to stop renting out its space or stop selling beer during its games.

1881 saw the Red Stockings join the American Association, where it would play until the team was readmitted to the National League in 1889. Around that time, the team name was shortened to Reds. The team wasn’t much of a contender until 1919, when the Reds won the World Series. Unfortunately, the “Black Sox” scandal, involving supposed game fixing by the White Sox in the Series, tainted the win.

The Reds had some lackluster years following the Series, despite some standout individual performances. By 1934, everything was looking pretty bleak for the Reds until Powel Crosley, Jr., bought the team, renovated the ballpark and told everyone he was keeping the Reds in Cincinnati. Redland Field was renamed in his honor.

This revitalized the Reds. By 1939 they were National League champions, though they were beat by the Yankees in the World Series. The following year, the Reds captured their second World Series title, this time over the Detroit Tigers.

A two-decade slump hit, though fans stayed true, continuing to buy Reds tickets and cheer at the games. The Reds rallied again in 1961, taking the pennant, but losing the Series to the Yankees. 1970 saw the debut of a new home field, Riverfront Stadium, and the team took the pennant, but once again failed to finish the World Series with a win.

The Reds put together their best years in the 1970s. They made it to the World Series in 1972, 1975 and 1976, winning the last two. Sadly, the most memorable part of the 1980s for Reds fans was Pete Rose, a player who was a Cincinnati hero, was given a lifetime ban from baseball for gambling on baseball, including betting against his own team.

2003 brought the Reds a new ballpark, the Great American Ballpark. Baseball tickets sales improved with the new park, yet the team couldn’t quite get a winning club together. This trend continued through 2005 for the Reds. However, the team is building on the talent of players such as Felipe López, and Edwin Encarnación, who have joined proven players Bernie Williams and Adam Dunn. Hopefully, the team has a bright future ahead of them.