The 1951 Cincinnati Reds finished 68–86, placing sixth in the National League. Managed by Luke Sewell, the club struggled offensively and defensively, scoring 679 runs while allowing 764. Ted Kluszewski emerged as a rising star, leading the team in home runs and RBIs, while Ewell Blackwell anchored the pitching staff with a strong season highlighted by control and durability. Despite flashes of young talent, the Reds were not competitive in the pennant race, finishing well behind the New York Giants, who famously won the NL on Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ’Round the World.”
Offered is an Official National League (Ford Frick) baseball that has been lightly shellacked (coated for preservation back in the 1950s). Loaded with 30 autographs that include: Luke Sewell, Bobby Adams, Grady Hatton, Ted Kluszewski, Connie Ryan, Virgil Stallcup (D. 1989 by suicide), Ken Raffensberger, Tony Cuccinello (coach), Willie Ramsdell, Ewell Blackwell, Bob Usher, Phil Page (D. 1958 at age 52) (coach), Danny Litwhiler (coach), Joe Adcock (rookie year), Herm Wehmeier, Homer (Dixie) Howell, Roy McMillan, and Howie Fox (D. 1955 at age 34 when he was stabbed to death).
