Eddie Cicotte's Career Wins Record for Reds

Lore & Background

Cicotte's time in Cincinnati is often overshadowed by his later notoriety with Chicago, yet his statistical output for the Reds remains a testament to his genuine skill as a pitcher. His departure via trade marked the end of a successful, albeit short, chapter in Redlands history.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the old League Park was thick with humidity as Cicotte wiped sweat from his brow, the red clay of the mound shifting beneath his cleats. It was mid-July, and the crowd roared as he delivered a sharp curveball that snapped over the plate for a strikeout. For those three years in Cincinnati, this moment defined him: not the scandal to come, but a pure, dominant pitcher silencing a rival lineup under the summer sun.

Reader's Guide

This total stands as a significant benchmark for a left-handed starter in that specific three-year window, reflecting his status as an ace. This performance was pivotal, as he led the team in victories and helped secure a respectable finish for the Reds amidst strong competition from other National League powers. His contribution is also noted in the context of the franchise's pitching history before the modern era. While he did not win a World Series with Cincinnati, his 35 wins remain a durable record of individual excellence during the Dead Ball Era, highlighting a time when pitchers were the undisputed kings of the game.

Did You Know?

• Cicotte was a left-handed pitcher who won over 20 games in a single season for the Reds before joining Chicago.
• He was part of the trade that sent him to the White Sox, where he would later become infamous.
• During his time in Cincinnati, he was considered one of the top control pitchers in the National League.
• His 35 wins with the Reds were achieved entirely within a three-year span.