I recently wrote an article on the worst starts in Reds modern history. The term “modern history” for most Reds fans is the 1956 season– Frank Robinson’s rookie year.
But now– after a 3-15 start– the 2018 Cincinnati Reds are reaching very dangerous territory. The 1931 Reds started off 2-17. From 1931-1934, the Reds were cash-strapped and signed aging, faded stars from other teams. They finished in last place in the National League those four years just as the Great Depression was starting.
Thinking about those horrible teams reminded me of a former Reds pitcher I interviewed in 1991 named Silas Johnson.