Reds trivia

[JohnU]

Worshiping my BRM painting again today, longing for days when hitting was actually a part of baseball ... brought to mind some trivia.

I know who wore which numbers for the 1975 club, but one guy had escaped me.

So which number did Cesar Geronimo wear? Hint: There's a reason to care about it. (You could look it up, obviously.)

Other numbers, FYI: Rose 14, Perez 24, Bench 5, Morgan 8, Concepcion 13, Sparky 10, Foster 15, Griffey 30.

 

[Redsfan1507]

I think it was 20

 

[JohnU]

I was a little surprised when I realized I had forgotten his number and a little more surprised to learn the significance of it.

 

[eburg5000]

I was thinking 20 myself. But I guess part of the trivia question is know the significance of it? Which at this moment I have know clue.

A few years ago when the Reds were still doing their S T in Florida. A friend of mine got a autographed baseball from Geronimo.

 

[JohnU]

No. 20 has been retired but not because of the Chief.

Well, maybe partly because of him. But a better player wore the number.

 

[redsfan03]

This is a little before my time, but didn't Frank Robinson wear no. 20? I may be wrong, but I thought I read or heard that somewhere.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

The Reds retired #20 in honor of Frank Robinson. Unfortunately one of the greatest players in Reds history, he's not enshrined in Cooperstown wearing a Reds' cap.

Ironically the #20 and the two players that wore it would be at different ends of the spectrum when it comes to Reds' trades.

The trade of Frank Robinson for being a "old 30" would be one of the worst trades in club history.

The trade that brought Geronimo also brought Morgan and Jack Billingham to complete the puzzle that would be 1975-76 World Championship teams.

 

[JohnU]

Bingo

Next question will be easier, he said.

Who caught Tom Browning's perfect game?

 

[eburg5000]

I'm going to go with Jeff Reed, who actually caught another one before his career was over. I think it was Pedro Martinez for the Montreal Expo's. How rear is that.

 

[WvuDieHard]

Since Steroids became a major issue in baseball, what Red was busted for using steroids? Clue: Not positive he took steroids when he played for the Reds but was named thru the meriad of clinics that were associated with the scandel. Good luck with this one.

 

[JohnU]

Jeff Reed is correct. I think, WVU ... that you might be thinking of Hal Morris, who more or less admitted to some sins.

 

[Redsfan1507]

There were a hell of a lot more ex-and current Reds that used or use PEDs. Both Boones failed tests mentioned in the Mitchell report. Hal Morris, Yasmani Grandal (recently), Edinson Volquez, and a ton more since. Wily Mo, Alonzo, Laynce Nix... not their mommas muscles, folks...Bronson Arroyo admitted getting therapudic "help" . It was and still widespread, and everyone in baseball except Bud Selig (according to him, but contradicted in the Mitchell report) knew about it.

 

[JohnU]

I think a few guys who showed me some unusual numbers last year (Melky aside) are a bit suspect. I honestly don't care but it's either a violation or it isn't.

Andrew McCutchen, anyone?

But I still think Morris is the guy WVU is referring to.

 

[WvuDieHard]

JohnU and others: No I actually was referring to Benito Santiago--you remember that guy right? Was using roids like no tomorrow although it didnt make him a superstar. Nonetheless, he was an adaquat catcher with a lifetime .263 BA. Was more than ample behind the plate as well. He played for the Reds in 1995 and 2000 and was often used up in the top of the lineup. I had completely forgot about Hal Morris and the Boones'. Santiago was flat out busted and was labeled as one of the all time 30 steroid users in baseball history.

 

[JohnU]

Santiago, one of a long line of great Reds catchers -- Trevino, Taubensee, Valentin, Burgess, Bench, Pavletich, Oliver ....

 

[jdombar]

John you forgot my personal favorite Bo Diaz (RIP)

 

[JohnU]

Yeah, Bo should be on there instead of ...

 

[JohnU]

OK ... name the Reds rookie who won 14 games for the 1970 NL champion.

 

[Redsfan1507]

What has been the weakest position for the Reds the last several decades ? When you think about it over a period of 25-30 years, there have been lots of good catchers-Edwards, Bench, Oliver, and Hanigan is worthy of note. 1b, 2b and OF have been strong positions historicallt, and due to the long careers of Concepcion and Larkin, SS hasn't been too bad.

Until recently, pitching has been a problem.

 

[JohnU]

Reds have always had SOME good pitchers and the problem has been not having enough of them, often enough. That's been since the late '90s that it's been noticed more because the shortage of talent at the other positions. The old Reds teams didn't need as much pitching as they needed guys to just get outs.

Currently, without pitching, this team is the Marlins.