The Cincinnati Reds will turn 150 years old next season. To celebrate, they will be honoring their history with quite the collection of throwback uniforms.
One can debate when Major League Baseball began. The National League has had an impressive run , dating back to its founding in 1876, fighting off virtually every challenger to their throne. However, the NL rose out of the ashes of the National Association, which existed from 1871 through 1875. Regardless of how one regards the NA, the majors will be celebrating their 150th anniversary in the coming decade.
As impressive as that longevity may be, the Cincinnati Reds predate even the majors. While the current incarnation of the Reds may consider their birth coming in 1882 as part of the American Association, their history goes back to 1869. They were the first professional team, facing all comers from coast to coast, winning 81 consecutive games before being defeated in 1870 by the Brooklyn Mutuals. Led by future Hall of Famers Harry Wright and George Wright, the Reds were a force to be reckoned with.
As the Reds are set to celebrate their 150th anniversary this coming year, they are going to do so in style. Over the course of the season, 15 different throwbacks will be used, going through the Reds uniforms of the 20th century.
Throwbacks galore! The Reds will sport 15 different historical uniform sets as part of the 150th anniversary in 2019. #RedsThreads pic.twitter.com/9MVJw4Z3hB
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 5, 2018
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As excellent as it would have been to see the Reds come out in the uniforms of the 1869 team on Opening Day, that is not going to happen. Nonetheless, there are plenty of highlights and homages to the history of the team, dating back to 1902, when the famed Palace of the Fans opened its gates for the first time.
These uniforms are a trip through history. The Reds first World Series winning team, the 1919 squad, will be honored. The all navy blue road uniforms from 1911 will be making a comeback. Naturally, the Big Red Machine will make an appearance, with the return of the 1976 uniforms. The years will role by, all the way to 1999.
The Reds are reportedly doing what they can to make that 150th anniversary season better than the recent past. According to reports, they are not only looking at wading into the top of the free agent pitching market, but are also looking to add another bat to the outfield. With viable starter or two, the Reds could become a player in what could be a crowded NL Central.
No matter how the Cincinnati Reds are comprised next season, they will certainly look good on the diamond.