Great Eight

de Mark Armour, Society for American Baseball Research

The 1975 Cincinnati Reds, also known as the "Big Red Machine," are one of the most memorable teams in baseball history. While the Reds dominated the National League from 1972 to 1976, it was the '75 team that surpassed them all, winning 108 games and beating the Boston Red Sox in a thrilling 7-game World Series. Led by Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, the team's roster included other legends such as Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez, Ken Griffey Sr., and Dave Concepción. The 1975 Reds were notably disciplined and clean-cut, which distinguished them from the increasingly individualistic players of the day. This volume commemorates the people and events surrounding this outstanding baseball team with essays on team management and key aspects and highlights of the season, including Pete Rose's famous position change. Reds fans can read complete biographies of all the team's players, relive the enthralling 1975 season, and celebrate a team consistently ranked as one of the best teams in baseball history.