The Cincinnati Reds’ roots date back to the 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 titles has the team won since its inception? Here’s an answer to that question.
Cincinnati Reds World Series history
Much like fellow NL Central rival Pittsburgh, the Cincinnati Reds franchise has won five World Series titles. Those titles came in 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990.
The Reds’ first title came in 1919, in which Cincinnati defeated the Chicago White Sox. That series, though, was marred by the “Black Sox” betting scandal that led to eight White Sox being banned from baseball.
In 1940, the Reds would win 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 the 1940 World Series. 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, and Tony Perez, the Reds would make the playoffs six time during the decade. Four of those playoff appearances would lead to World Series appearances.
Cincinnati would fail to win it all in 1970 (Orioles) and 1972 (Athletics), but would win back-to-back titles in 1975 & 1976. The Reds would defeat the Red Sox in the 1975 World Series, and sweep the Yankees the following season.
1990 would mark the final championship that the Reds have won to date. Managed by Lou Pinella, the Reds swept the Athletics to win the the team’s fifth title.
