The 1939 Cincinnati Reds season was the 58th in franchise history. The Reds finished in sixth place in the National League with a record of 69–85, 30 games behind the pennant-winning Chicago Cubs. The team was managed by Bill McKechnie and played their home games at Crosley Field.
The Reds’ offense was led by outfielder Ival Goodman, who batted .324 with 35 home runs and 127 runs batted in. First baseman Frank McCormick also had a solid season, batting .315 with 23 home runs and 103 RBIs.
The Reds’ pitching staff was led by Paul Derringer, who went 16–12 with a 3.16 ERA. Other key pitchers for the Reds included Bucky Walters, who went 14–15, and Lee Grissom, who went 9–14.
Cincinnati Reds 1939 Season
Overview
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds were a formidable baseball team that left an indelible mark in the annals of baseball history. Led by a constellation of talented players and astute management, the Reds surged to the forefront of the National League, culminating in their first pennant triumph since 1919. Their remarkable 97-57 record cemented their dominance and propelled them to the pinnacle of the league.
The Reds’ success was not merely a stroke of luck; it was the product of meticulous planning and unwavering determination. The team’s foundation rested upon a core of exceptional players who possessed a winning mentality and an unyielding spirit. Among them was the electrifying shortstop Marty Marion, whose defensive prowess and offensive contributions were indispensable to the Reds’ success. The legendary Bucky Walters, a crafty and durable pitcher, anchored the mound with his pinpoint control and deceptive pitches.
Complementing these stars was a cast of skilled and dedicated players who played their roles with precision. Ernie Lombardi, a stout catcher, provided a steady presence behind the plate while calling a masterful game. The outfield trio of Ival Goodman, Frank McCormick, and Harry Craft patrolled the vast expanses with agility and efficiency. Their collective efforts created a cohesive and formidable unit that became a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Regular Season
The Reds commenced their 1939 campaign with an impressive start, capturing 12 of their opening 15 games. Their momentum continued unabated throughout the season, as they maintained a blistering pace that kept them firmly atop the league standings. By the end of July, their record stood at an astounding 66-33, a testament to their unwavering consistency and relentless pursuit of victory.
The Reds’ path to the pennant was not without its challenges. They faced fierce competition from their divisional rivals, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the Reds’ unwavering determination and superior play proved insurmountable. On September 18th, with a resounding 10-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Reds clinched the National League pennant, sending shockwaves throughout the baseball world.
The Reds’ regular season triumph was a symphony of collective achievement. Their pitching staff, led by Walters and Paul Derringer, ranked among the league’s elite, boasting an impressive 3.28 ERA. The offense, fueled by Lombardi’s consistent hitting and Goodman’s timely contributions, ranked third in the league in runs scored. The Reds’ defense, anchored by Marion’s exceptional glovework, was equally impressive, committing the fewest errors in the National League.
Postseason
The Reds’ triumph in the regular season propelled them to the 1939 World Series, where they faced the formidable New York Yankees, a team widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. The Yankees, boasting an array of legendary players such as Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Bill Dickey, were heavily favored to emerge victorious.
Despite the daunting task at hand, the Reds refused to be intimidated. They stunned the Yankees by capturing the first two games of the series, igniting hope among their ardent supporters. The Yankees, however, displayed their championship pedigree by rallying to win the next three games, putting the Reds on the brink of elimination. Undeterred, the Reds summoned their resilience and won Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7.
Game 7 proved to be a heart-wrenching affair. The Yankees, with their superior experience and unwavering determination, ultimately prevailed by a score of 4-0. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Reds had etched their names into the annals of baseball history. Their spirited performance had captured the hearts of fans across the nation and solidified their legacy as a formidable force in the sport.
Reds Batting Leaders
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds enjoyed a successful season offensively, boasting several standout batters who made significant contributions to the team’s success. Among them were Paul Derringer, Ernie Lombardi, and Ival Goodman.
Paul Derringer
Paul Derringer emerged as the Reds’ most potent hitter in 1939. Not only did he serve as a starting pitcher for the team, but he also excelled at the plate, showcasing exceptional hitting prowess. Derringer led the Reds in multiple offensive categories, including batting average, runs batted in (RBIs), and hits.
Derringer’s remarkable batting average of .323 placed him among the league’s top hitters. His ability to make consistent contact and produce base hits played a crucial role in the Reds’ offensive success. Moreover, he displayed impressive power at the plate, driving in a team-leading 103 RBIs, a testament to his ability to deliver in clutch situations.
To further cement his status as the Reds’ offensive leader, Derringer amassed a total of 190 hits during the 1939 campaign. His ability to get on base consistently set the table for the Reds’ subsequent hitters and contributed to the team’s overall offensive output.
Ernie Lombardi
Ernie Lombardi, the Reds’ catcher, played a pivotal role in the team’s offense, serving as a reliable producer of both power and RBIs. His potent bat made him a force to be reckoned with, helping propel the Reds to victory on numerous occasions.
Lombardi’s batting average of .303 placed him among the league’s best hitters. His ability to make consistent contact and produce base hits was invaluable to the Reds. Additionally, he displayed impressive power, launching 16 home runs during the 1939 season. His ability to drive in runs was equally impressive, as he finished with 109 RBIs, ranking among the leaders in the league.
Lombardi’s versatility as a hitter made him a valuable asset to the Reds. He could switch from being a contact hitter to providing power at the plate, making him a constant threat to opposing pitchers. His combination of power and consistency made him a dependable offensive force.
Ival Goodman
Ival Goodman, a versatile infielder and outfielder, proved to be a consistent and reliable contributor to the Reds’ offense in 1939. His ability to field multiple positions and produce at the plate made him an essential part of the team’s success.
Goodman’s batting average of .296 demonstrated his ability to make consistent contact and produce base hits. His versatility as a hitter was evident in his ability to drive in runs, hitting 77 RBIs during the season. Additionally, he displayed some power at the plate, hitting 14 home runs.
Goodman’s versatility made him a valuable asset to the Reds. He could field multiple positions adequately, providing the team with flexibility in their defensive alignment. His consistent offensive production made him a dependable player who contributed to the Reds’ success in 1939.
Reds Pitching Leaders
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff was led by three outstanding hurlers: Bucky Walters, Paul Derringer, and Jim Turner. These three pitchers combined for 59 wins, 767 strikeouts, and a 3.02 ERA.
Bucky Walters
Bucky Walters was the Reds’ ace pitcher in 1939. He led the team with a 27-11 record, a 2.29 ERA, and 248 strikeouts. Walters was a master of control, walking just 69 batters in 276 innings pitched. He also had a knack for getting ground balls, as evidenced by his 1.10 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio. Walters was a key part of the Reds’ success in 1939, and he was named to the National League All-Star team. He finished the season ranked among the league leaders in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
Paul Derringer
In addition to being a great hitter, Paul Derringer was also a solid pitcher. He went 16-10 with a 3.34 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 1939. Derringer was a versatile pitcher who could start or relieve, and he was also a good fielder. He was a key part of the Reds’ pitching staff, and he helped the team win the National League pennant. Derringer finished the season ranked among the league leaders in wins and ERA.
Jim Turner
Jim Turner was a workhorse for the Reds in 1939. He led the team with 243 innings pitched and went 16-12 with a 3.44 ERA. Turner was a durable pitcher who could eat up innings, and he was also a good control pitcher. He walked just 80 batters in 243 innings pitched. Turner was a key part of the Reds’ pitching staff, and he helped the team win the National League pennant. Turner finished the season ranked among the league leaders in innings pitched, wins, and ERA.
Reds Fielders
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds fielded a talented lineup of defensive stalwarts.
Frank McCormick
At shortstop, Frank McCormick provided a steady glove. His exceptional fielding prowess was evident in the mere 12 errors he committed over the course of 155 games. McCormick’s agility and quick reflexes allowed him to make difficult plays look routine, solidifying the Reds’ infield defense.
Ernie Lombardi
Behind the plate, Ernie Lombardi not only excelled as a hitter but also showcased his defensive abilities as a catcher. His strong arm and quick reflexes made him a formidable presence behind home plate. Lombardi’s ability to control the running game was exceptional, as he threw out an impressive 47% of attempted base stealers. His presence behind the dish was a key factor in the Reds’ overall defensive success.
Harry Craft
Patrolling the outfield in center field was Harry Craft, a reliable fielder with a strong arm. Craft’s positioning and anticipation allowed him to cover a wide range of ground, making him a valuable asset in the Reds’ outfield defense. His ability to track down fly balls and make accurate throws to the infield played a crucial role in preventing opposing teams from advancing runners.
Paul Derringer
Rounding out the Reds’ defensive unit was pitcher Paul Derringer, who also showed impressive fielding skills when not on the mound. Derringer’s athleticism and quick reflexes enabled him to cover a significant amount of ground at first base. His ability to scoop up ground balls and make quick throws helped the Reds turn double plays and keep runners off the base paths.
Together, these four players formed a formidable defensive unit that played a significant role in the Reds’ success during the 1939 season. Their fielding skills helped prevent opposing teams from scoring runs and gave the Reds a strong foundation on which to build their victories.
Legacy of the 1939 Reds
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball and on the city of Cincinnati itself. Their impact can still be felt today, more than eight decades later.
Impact on Cincinnati
The Reds’ 1939 World Series victory was a watershed moment for the city of Cincinnati. The team had not won a pennant in nearly 20 years, and the city was hungry for a winner. The Reds’ victory gave the city something to celebrate and helped to create a winning tradition that would continue for many years to come.
The Reds’ success also had a lasting impact on the city’s economy. The team’s games drew large crowds, and the city’s hotels and restaurants benefited from the influx of visitors. The Reds’ victory also helped to put Cincinnati on the map as a baseball town, and the city has been a major league baseball city ever since.
Influence on Baseball
The 1939 Reds were also one of the most influential teams in baseball history. They helped to popularize the use of the fastball and the curveball, and they also helped to change the way that teams played defense.
The Reds’ pitching staff was one of the best in baseball history. Led by Bucky Walters and Paul Derringer, the Reds’ pitchers had a combined ERA of 3.26, and they struck out more than 1,000 batters. The Reds’ pitchers were also pioneers in the use of the fastball and the curveball, and their success helped to make these pitches the standard in baseball.
The Reds’ defense was also one of the best in baseball history. Led by shortstop Ezzard Charles and third baseman Billy Werber, the Reds’ defense had a fielding percentage of .984. The Reds’ defense was also known for its ability to turn double plays, and they led the National League in double plays in 1939.
The Reds’ success on the field helped to change the way that baseball was played. Their use of the fastball and the curveball helped to make these pitches the standard in baseball, and their success on defense helped to make fielding a more important part of the game.
Legacy Today
The 1939 Cincinnati Reds are still remembered as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. They are a source of pride for Cincinnati and for all baseball fans. The team’s victory in the 1939 World Series was a watershed moment for the city of Cincinnati, and their influence on baseball is still felt today.