The Cincinnati Reds, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have had a rich history filled with extraordinary players. From the early days of the sport to modern times, numerous Reds players have left an indelible mark on the game. But when it comes to determining the most famous Reds player, the competition is fierce. Let’s explore some of the prime candidates who have donned the iconic red and white uniform.
Pete Rose: The Hit King
Pete Rose is a name that echoes through the annals of baseball history. During his tenure with the Reds from 1963 - 1978 and 1984 - 1986, Rose amassed an astonishing 4,256 hits, the most in MLB history. In 19 seasons with Cincinnati, he slashed .307/.379/.425 with 152 homers, 1,036 RBI, 601 doubles, and 115 triples. He won three batting titles, represented the club in 13 All - Star Games, won a pair of Gold Gloves, and was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1963. In 1973, he claimed the National League MVP honors.
Rose was also a key figure in the Reds’ back - to - back World Series victories in 1975 and 1976. However, his legacy was marred by a gambling scandal, which led to his ban from the sport. Despite this, his on - field achievements are hard to overlook. The Reds retired his number 14 in 2016, a testament to his impact on the team.
Johnny Bench: The Catching Legend
Johnny Bench is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. Drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 1965 draft, Bench spent his entire 17 - year career in Cincinnati. In 2,158 career games, he slashed .267/.342/.476 with 389 home runs and 1,376 RBI.
Bench was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1968 and went on to qualify for an amazing 14 All - Star Games. He won 10 Gold Glove Awards in a row from 1968 - 1977. Bench was the National League MVP in both 1970 and 1972 and played a crucial role in the Reds’ World Series wins in 1975 and 1976, earning World Series MVP honors in the latter. The Reds retired his number 5 in 1984, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Barry Larkin: The Hometown Hero
Cincinnati - born Barry Larkin was drafted fourth overall by his hometown team in the 1985 draft. He spent 19 years with the Reds, becoming a fan favorite. Larkin slashed .295/.371/.444 with 715 extra - base hits, 960 RBI, and 379 stolen bases in 2,180 games.
He represented Cincinnati in 12 All - Star Games, earned nine Silver Slugger Awards, and took home three Gold Gloves. Larkin was the 1995 National League MVP and was instrumental in the Reds’ World Series win in 1990. The Reds retired his number 11 in 2012, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the following year.
Joey Votto: The Modern - Day Star
Joey Votto has been the face of the Reds for over a decade and a half. Since his debut in 2007, the Canadian first baseman has slashed .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs and 1,144 RBI. Votto was the National League MVP in 2010, represented the Reds in six All - Star Games, and won a Gold Glove in 2011.
Votto’s plate discipline is remarkable. He led the league in walks five times and on - base percentage seven times. His ability to consistently get on base and avoid strikeouts has set him apart as one of the premier hitters of his generation.
Frank Robinson: A Hall - of - Fame Great
Frank Robinson played his first 10 seasons with the Reds from 1956 - 1965. During this time, he slashed .303/.389/.554 with 324 homers and 1,009 RBI. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1956 and the National League MVP in 1961. Robinson represented the Reds in nine All - Star Games and earned one Gold Glove.
After leaving the Reds, he continued to have a successful career, becoming the only player in MLB history to win MVP in both the American and National Leagues. The Reds retired his number 20 in 1998, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.
Joe Morgan: The Second - Base Sensation
Joe Morgan is considered one of the best second basemen of all time. He played eight seasons with the Reds from 1972 - 1979. In Cincinnati, Morgan slashed .288/.415/.470 with 152 home runs, 612 RBI, and 406 stolen bases.
He led the National League in on - base percentage four times and won back - to - back NL MVP awards in 1975 and 1976. Morgan was an All - Star in every one of his years in Cincinnati and won five Gold Gloves. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
Conclusion
Determining the most famous Reds player is no easy task. Each of the players mentioned above has made significant contributions to the Reds’ legacy, both on and off the field. Pete Rose’s record - breaking hits, Johnny Bench’s dominance behind the plate, Barry Larkin’s hometown heroics, Joey Votto’s modern - day excellence, Frank Robinson’s Hall - of - Fame career, and Joe Morgan’s second - base wizardry all make them worthy candidates.
Ultimately, the title of the most famous Reds player may vary depending on personal opinions and the era in which one follows the team. But one thing is certain: the Cincinnati Reds’ rich history of great players will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.