The Cincinnati Reds’ roots date back to 1869, when the franchise was founded as the Red Stockings. To say that the Reds have a lengthy history would be an understatement, as the franchise has seen legendary figures like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Barry Larkin play for Cincinnati. But how many World Series titles have the Reds won since its inception? Here’s an answer to that question.

When did the Reds last win a World Series title?

The Reds last won the World Series in 1990.

Cincinnati Reds World Series history

The Cincinnati Reds franchise has won five World Series titles, which came in 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990.

The Reds’ first title came in 1919, after Cincinnati defeated the Chicago White Sox. That series, though, was marred by the “Black Sox” betting scandal that led to the ban of eight White Sox players from baseball.

In 1940, the Reds won the franchise’s second title a year after falling short to the Yankees the previous season. Led by second baseman Lonny Frey and ace Bucky Walters, the Reds defeated the Detroit Tigers in 1940. After that series victory, the Reds would endure nearly two decades of failure. Cincinnati would return to the Fall Classic in 1961, but lose in five games to the Yankees.

The 1970s would mark the birth of the “Big Red Machine.” Led by Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez, the Reds made the playoffs six times during the decade. Four of those playoff appearances led to World Series appearances.

Cincinnati failed to win it all in 1970 (Orioles) in a five-game series. Two years later in 1972 (Athletics), Oakland defeated the Reds in a seven-game series. The final game of that series saw the A’s prevail, with a 3-2 victory.

Cincinnati broke through in 1975, as the Reds wn back-to-back titles in both 1975 & 1976. The Reds would defeat the Red Sox in the 1975 World Series, and sweep the Yankees the following season. In that latter campaign, the Reds went undefeated in the postseason, as Cincinnati swept the Phillies in the NLCS.

The 1990 season marked the final championship that the Reds have won to date. The Reds that season had a star-studded lineup that included Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, and Eric Davis. Cincinnati’s pitching staff was also deep, led by Tom Browning, Jose Rijo, and the “Nasty Boys” trio of Randy Myers, Norm Charlton, and Rob Dibble.

Managed by Lou Pinella, the Reds swept the Athletics to win the team’s fifth title.

Check out how the Brewers and Pirates, two of the Reds’ NL Central rivals, have done in World Series history.