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The Cleveland Reds: Baseball Beginnings

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Tony Pike #15 of...
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Cincinnati, Ohio has played a major role in the history of professional baseball. The first professionally played game was held here in 1869 featuring the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Mansfield Independents. The Red Stockings were defeated their opponents by winning with a score of 48 to 14. The team was on fire during the period of 1869 to 1870, winning a total of 130 straight games without a loss. They also hold the honor of being one of the first members of the National League.

The team came on to the championship stage when they won the World Series in 1919. Their victory turned hollow, as this was the famous series where the opposing White Sox team had several players caught throwing the game. Despite the tarnish of the 1919 World Series, the Red Stockings continued to win through the next three decades, constantly making their way into the playoffs. They finally regained their World Series championship in 1940.

The home turf for their games was at League Park, which eventually became Crosley Field in 1934. The team played in this ballpark until 1970. Once again, the Reds made a splash in baseball history by hosting the first night game here in 1935. After holding a total of seven night games during the season, fans began to pack the stands even more. The team saw the total attendance at times of approximately 18,000 fans during evening games while daytime attendance stayed much lower.

Later in the 20th century, new stars came on the roster and help to bring the team back on the winning side. One of these was Pete Rose, who joined the team in 1970. The team also changed ballparks at this time, moving to Riverfront Stadium. They gained big names such as Johnny Bench and came under the management of Sparky Anderson. Throughout its history, the team has had ups and downs, but is a favorite with Cleveland fans.

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A Famous Ohio Native Who Reached the Stars

Ohio has been home to a variety of famous individuals, from sports to those who have soared into the stars. One of the state’s native sons is Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. His birth occurred on August 3, 1930 outside of Wapakoneta, Ohio. He found an early interest in flight and airplanes starting at age two when his father took him to the Cleveland National Air Races. This early visit spawned a lifelong love of soaring in the sky and he spent his childhood constructing plane models and even building his own wind tunnel.

He finally got his chance at the age of 15, when he started taking flying lessons. He completed his training by age 16 and earned a student pilot license. Neil Armstrong continued his education through a United States Navy scholarship and attended Purdue University, pursuing an aeronautical engineering degree. The Navy called him to war in 1949 where he flew 78 missions in the Korean War and received three medals for his efforts. He finally graduated in 1952 from Purdue and received a masters degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California. He spent part of his time after school working at the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratories in Cleveland.

His subsequent career as a test pilot and engineer led him into destiny when he entered the space program in 1962. His first job with NASA was as a backup command pilot for the Gemini 8 crew. His exemplary service with NASA led to him being chosen for the historic flight into space in 1969 when he and Buzz Armstrong took man to the moon for the first time. Neil Armstrong, one of Ohio’s native sons, is an excellent example of how determination and hard work can help you achieve extraordinary things.

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Ohio Civil War Sentiment and Contribution

The Civil War divided the United States during the period from 1861 to 1865. States were often divided as to which side would be supported, and Ohio was not immune from the worst effects. Ohio had its own unique situation, which had started with its early settlement. There was a large proportion of whites who had established settlements near the Ohio River, having come from the south. Many of these individuals have families still residing in the southern states who owned slaves.

These settlers were part of a group called the Peace Democrats, who firmly believed that the war should not be fought. Other members of this group included those who feared that freed slaves would take away white jobs, those who wanted to avoid the killing that would occur, who were against a draft or who did not want to leave their families behind.

Despite their presence in the state, Ohio was an active participant in the effort against secession. The state sent over 260 regiments to war, equaling a total of 310,654 soldiers. The sons of Ohio saw action in every battle throughout the fighting, along with many who went to serve the union effort as officers. Ohio sent to the union some of its most talented generals, some of whom helped bring the war to an end. These include such figures as Ulysses S. Grant, Philip Sheridan, William Tecumseh Sherman and Don Carlos Buell. Sherman is best known for his march to the sea, where he brought modern warfare to the Confederate countryside. Grant took the lead of the Union Army and turned it aggressively against Lee’s forces, bringing them to an eventual surrender.

Though divided in some respects, Ohio did come to the aid of the Union and delivered results. Its sacrifice of lost sons, fathers, brothers and husbands help to ensure that the union stayed together.

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A Visit to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

If you are traveling through Ohio, you should take a stop at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This beautiful spot honors those who were killed and did the fighting during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. It also serves as a testament to the peaceful relationship between the United States, England and Canada. The memorial itself consists of a Doric style column that is 352 feet tall. There are elevators available for those who are unable to use stairs to reach the platform deck.

The memorial is not the only thing that that the park has to offer. There is a visitors center that features the story of the Battle of Lake Erie and gives you an in-depth look into the determined leadership of Oliver Hazard Perry. At the rank of Commodore, he took his ship out to sea from the harbor that was located near the park and into battle. Leading the vessels under his command, Perry defeated the British hands down and made his name in history. These events are introduced also in the park film that is shown in the visitor center.

For a different flavor, you can get outside and take in the view of the memorial by climbing to the top. The deck of the memorial is 317 feet over the lake. Starting in June, rangers at the park will do both interpretive talks and living history. During living history presentations, staff are in period uniforms and you can watch them either fire off flintlock muskets or cannon. The reenactors will be able to explain the process, the life of a soldier during this time and answer any questions you may have.

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is well worth a visit, and should definitely be put on your spring vacation list of stops. Your family can get both an enjoyable experience and learn at the same time.

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