The 1971 Reds Trade That Defined an Era
On Nov. 29, 1971, the Cincinnati Reds made a daring move, trading away key and immensely popular players Lee May, Tommy Helms, and Jimmy Stewart to the Houston Astros in exchange for Joe Morgan, Ed Armbrister, Jack Billingham, Cesar Geronimo, and Denis Menke. Little did the fans know, this controversial decision by general manager Bob Howsam would set the stage for a remarkable chapter in Reds history.
Cincinnati Enquirer sports reporter Bob Hertzel captured the initial shock, comparing the trade to a wartime scenario. The headlines echoed the surprise, focusing on the departure of familiar names without revealing the transformative return.
The acquisition of Morgan, Armbrister, Billingham, Gerónimo, and Menke at the Winter Meetings signaled a turning point. While critics initially favored the Astros, this trade became the catalyst for the Reds' ascent to greatness in the 1970s.
impressive home run record couldn't deter Howsam's strategic vision. He felt the Reds had enough power and they could move Tony Perez from third base to first base. Getting Morgan would provide the Reds with more speed, which was necessary in Riverfront Stadium. The trade laid the foundation for the Big Red Machine, which clinched four NL West Division titles and two World Series championships from 1972 to 1976.
Despite doubts, manager Sparky Anderson foresaw the impact. Morgan's stellar performance in 1972, leading in runs, stealing bases, and securing a high on-base percentage, validated Anderson's belief in the trade's wisdom.
The 1972 World Series loss to the Oakland Athletics only fueled the Reds' determination. By 1973, Morgan earned his first Gold Glove Award and became a force with 26 home runs. His back-to-back NL MVP wins in 1975 and 1976 solidified his role as the engine behind the Reds' juggernaut.
Meanwhile, May continued to showcase his power in Houston and later with the Baltimore Orioles, but the Reds' focus on balance and speed paid off. Bob Howsam's conviction in the trade was vindicated as the Reds dominated the league, finishing first or second nine times over the next decade.
In hindsight, what seemed like a risky move in 1971 turned out to be one of the most shrewd and impactful decisions in Reds’ history, shaping an era of unparalleled success.
ncG1vNJzZmicn6O1prjBop5nq6WXwLWtwqRlnKedZL1wrYybpqWcXZyurq7LnmStoJVifnqDkGapnpyjYsGzrcOe