Description: This picture shows the 1939 National League champion, the Cincinnati Reds team. Managed by Bill McKechnie, the Reds finished the regular season with a record of 97 wins and 57 loses, 4.5 games ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals. The 1939 team lost the World Series to the New York Yankees but came back in 1940 to win the world championship by defeating the Detroit Tigers. Professional baseball originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first game played by a team where all players were professionals and received pay for playing occurred on June 1, 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings defeated the Mansfield Independents, an amateur club. The Red Stockings won by a score of 48-14. The salary for the entire Cincinnati team during the 1869 season was eleven thousand dollars. The Red Stockings went on to win 130 consecutive games during 1869 and early 1870, not losing a game until June 14, 1870. Baseball historians challenge the number of games because a majority of them involved amateur clubs losing to the Red Stockings. Nevertheless, the club had fifty-seven straight victories against other highly-ranked and professional or semi-professional teams. The Reds proved to be a leading contender during its first several decades of existence. In 1876, the team was one of the original members of the National League, but this organization expelled the club in 1880 for selling beer at the team's games. The Reds returned to the National League after a decade's absence. In 1919 the Cincinnati Reds won its first World Series, defeating the Chicago White Sox five games to three in a best of nine series. Several White Sox players eventually admitted to throwing the series to the Reds, but Reds outfielder Edd Roush claimed, "One thing that's always overlooked in this whole mess is that we could have beaten them no matter the circumstances. The 1919 Cincinnati Reds were better!" During the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, the Reds continued to be playoff contenders. The club won National League pennant and the World Series in 1940. The Cincinnati Reds also participated in the first televised baseball game in 1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06024
Subjects: Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati--History; Baseball--History; Cincinnati Red Stockings (Baseball team); Cultural Ohio--Ohio Sports
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Cincinnati Red Stockings, 1869 team photograph. This photomontage consists of ten oval-shaped portraits of individual team members. Nine captioned photos of players are arranged around a larger portrait of team captain Harry Wright. The men are dressed in business or formal attire. The date "1869" is printed at center bottom; below it is the credit line "From original photos taken at the time in Cincinnati, Ohio." The 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings made history not only as the most dominant baseball club of its time but also as the first band of professional ballplayers. Professional baseball originated in Cincinnati. The first game played by a team in which all players were professionals and received pay occurred on June 1, 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings defeated the Mansfield Independents, an amateur club. The Red Stockings won by a score of 48-14. The salary for the entire Cincinnati team during the 1869 season was eleven thousand dollars. The Red Stockings went on to win 130 consecutive games during 1869 and early 1870, not losing a game until June 14, 1870. Baseball historians challenge the number of games because a majority of them involved amateur clubs losing to the Red Stockings. Nevertheless, the club had fifty-seven straight victories against other highly-ranked and professional or semi-professional teams. Cincinnati's decision to pay players proved to be a success, and other cities soon began establishing professional clubs throughout America. The Red Stockings team was a leading contender during its first several decades of existence. In 1876 the team, now known as the Cincinnati Reds, became one of the original members of the newly formed National League, but this organization expelled the club in 1880 for selling beer at the team's games. The Reds returned to the National League after a decade's absence. Baseball became one of Cincinnati's most popular entertainment venues, aided in part by the team's World Series titles in 1919 and 1940. Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine," featuring players such as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose, dominated baseball in the 1970s, picking up additional titles in 1975 and 1976. A surprise wire-to-wire title again in 1990 strengthened the Reds' legacy and helped ensure future generations of Reds fans. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06023
Subjects: Cincinnati Red Stockings (Baseball team); Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati--History; Baseball--History; Cultural Ohio--Ohio Sports
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening game. Cin.Ball.Park. Apr. 15-1941- Raising of World Pennant-showing Reds and St. Louis players, temporary seats in left field and left field grand stand." This photograph depicts the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals standing at attention during the raising of the World Pennant during the opening game at Crosley Field in Cincinnati on April 15, 1941. Crosley Field was located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225, 000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr., who's ownership saw some important structural renovations to the building. It 1935, lights were added to allow for games to be played at night, in order to increase attendance during the Depression. Crosley Field was also used for other events throughout the years. Crosley Field was one of the smallest parks in the MLB, in both capacity and field size, and was notorious for "the terrace", a fifteen degree incline in left field. The last game at Crosley Field was played June 24, 1970, and the team moved to Riverfront Stadium. It was destroyed on April 19, 1972, and today seven buildings and a street occupy the place where it stood. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_003_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening Game. Apr. 15-41. Western ave side of of Cin.Ball park." Fans wait in line outside the Western avenue side of Crosley Field for the opening game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals on April 15, 1941. Crosley Field is located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225,000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr., who's ownership saw some important structural renovations to the building. It 1935, lights were added to allow for games to be played at night, in order to increase attendance during the Depression. Crosley Field was also used for other events throughout the years. Crosley Field was one of the smallest parks in the MLB, in both capacity and field size, and was notorious for "the terrace", a fifteen degree incline in left field. The last game at Crosley Field was played June 24, 1970, and the team moved to Riverfront Stadium. It was destroyed on April 19, 1972, and today seven buildings and a street occupy the place where it stood. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_004_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening game.Cin.Ball Park- Apr. 15-1941. Showing the bleacher seats- temporary seats on ground in right field and part of grand stand seats." This photograph depicts the temporary bleacher seats filled with fans at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 15, 1941. Crosley Field was located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225,000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr., who's ownership saw some important structural renovations to the building. It 1935, lights were added to allow for games to be played at night, in order to increase attendance during the Depression. Crosley Field was also used for other events throughout the years. Crosley Field was one of the smallest parks in the MLB, in both capacity and field size, and was notorious for "the terrace", a fifteen degree incline in left field. The last game at Crosley Field was played June 24, 1970, and the team moved to Riverfront Stadium. It was destroyed on April 19, 1972 and today seven buildings and a street occupy the place where it stood. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_005_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Cin. Ball Park. Opening Game Apr. 15, 1941. Showing Lonnie Fry second batter for Reds hitting into a double play- (Note both runners on base paths.)" This photograph depicts Cincinnati Reds player, Lonny Frey, headed towards first base after his turn at bat on April 15, 1941. This was opening game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field and Frey was the second batter in the lineup after Bill Werber. Lonny Frey (1910 - 2009) played second base for the Cincinnati Reds from 1938 to 1943 and in 1946. He was a vital part of the team as they won two consecutive World Series in 1939 and 1940. Frey was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1961, and in 1969 was selected the Reds all-time second baseman. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_008_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening game. Cin.Ball.Park. Apr. 15-1941- Raising the World Pennant, showing Reds and St. Louis players, temporary seats in left field and left field grand stand. and Band" This photograph depicts the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals standing at attention during the raising of the World Pennant during the opening game at Crosley Field in Cincinnati on April 15, 1941. The marching band stands beside them. Crosley Field was located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225, 000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr. Crosley Field was one of the smallest parks in the MLB, in both capacity and field size, and was notorious for "the terrace", a fifteen degree incline in left field. The last game at Crosley Field was played June 24, 1970, and the team moved to Riverfront Stadium. It was destroyed on April 19, 1972, and today seven buildings and a street occupy the place where it stood. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_009_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Marching bands; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening Game. Cin. Ball Park. Apr. 15-1941. Showing, Judge Landis, Mayor Stewart, Powell Crosley, Cin. Reds, St. Louis players and band, marching to center field for flag raising." This photograph depicts Judge Kenesaw Landis, Mayor James Stewart, Powel Crosley, Jr., and the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals players being led by the marching band to the flag raising before the opening game at Crosley Field in Cincinnati on April 15, 1941. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_010_001
Subjects: Landis, Kenesaw Mountain, 1866-1944; Crosley, Powel; Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening Game. Apr. 15, 1941. Ticket window to Grand Stand.Cin.Ball Park. Findlay near Western ave." This photograph depicts fans waiting in line for their tickets at the ticket counter outside Crosley Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds lost 3-7 in the opening game against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 15, 1941. Crosley Field was located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225, 000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_011_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening Game Cin. Ball Park. Apr. 15-1941. Showing Red players on field. Paul Derringer pitching." This photograph depicts an overview shot of Crosley Field during the opening game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals on April 15, 1941. Reds pitcher, Paul Derringer, is getting ready to throw the ball. The Reds lost to St. Louis 3-7. Derringer played for the Reds from 1931 to 1945 and held the team record for career strikeouts when he retired. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_013_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening Game- Apr.15-1941. Parking lot, back of Cin. Ball Park showing press boxes and rear of grand stand." This is a photograph of the parking lot behind Crosley Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The parking lot is full of cars and the press box is visible above the stadium. Crosley Field was located at the corner of Western Avenue and Findley Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally named Redland Field, this steel and concrete Major League Baseball park was designed by architect Henry Hake and cost $225, 000 to build. It was renamed Crosley Field in 1934, when the team was bought by local businessman Powel Crosley Jr. Crosley Field was one of the smallest parks in the MLB, in both capacity and field size, and was notorious for "the terrace", a fifteen degree incline in left field. The last game at Crosley Field was played June 24, 1970, and the team moved to Riverfront Stadium. It was destroyed on April 19, 1972, and today seven buildings and a street occupy the place where it stood. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_014_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Opening game- Apr. 15--41. Cin. Ball Park- Line up at bleacher ticket window. Western ave." This photograph depicts fans waiting in line for their tickets outside Crosley Field on Western Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds lost 3-7 in the opening game against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 15, 1941. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_015_001
Subjects: Crosley Field (Cincinnati, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works; Cincinnati Reds (Baseball team); St. Louis Cardinals (Baseball team); Baseball--Ohio--Cincinnati; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project.
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)