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Top games in Cincinnati Reds history: No. 29 – May 4, 1869, the beginning of professional sports

(Photo: Provided by the Cincinnati Museum Center)

The paragraph appeared in the “City Matters” column on the back page of the eight-page Cincinnati Enquirer May 4, 1869, edition:

“The Cincinnati and Great Western Base-ball Clubs play the first regular game of the season this afternoon at three o’clock, on the Union Grounds. Both clubs will send forth the whole of their first nines, and a very interesting game may be expected.”

With that, the debut of all-professional sports was announced.

The paragraph omitted the “Red Stockings” nickname of the Cincinnati team, the forerunner of the Reds, nor did it describe the unique nature of the team.