Fansided

Each MLB team’s best season ever

By Joshua Sadlock

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 29: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrates with George Springer #4 after hitting a three-run home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 29: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrates with George Springer #4 after hitting a three-run home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) Cincinnati: Joe Morgan (C) is congratulated by manager Sparky Anderson (R) and Tony Perez (L) on his game-winning hit in the 10th inning 10/14. The 6-5 win gave Cincinnati a 2-3 lead in the best of seven World Series.
(Original Caption) Cincinnati: Joe Morgan (C) is congratulated by manager Sparky Anderson (R) and Tony Perez (L) on his game-winning hit in the 10th inning 10/14. The 6-5 win gave Cincinnati a 2-3 lead in the best of seven World Series. /

Cincinnati Reds: 1975

Dubbed “The Big Red Machine,” the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s have to be considered one of the greatest teams in MLB history. From 1970 to 1979, the Reds won six division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series titles. They were 953-657 for the decade, averaging over 95 wins per season.

With a core that featured Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez and Hit King Pete Rose, the Reds were truly a machine. They were managed by Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson and had plenty of solid depth to surround their stars, including Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Cesar Geonimo and Ken Griffey Sr.

The Big Red Machine reached its highest point in 1975, winning 108 games and outscoring its opponents by 254 runs. Morgan won the NL MVP after hitting .327/.466/.508 with 17 home runs, 94 RBI and 67 stolen bases. He walked 132 times with only 52 strikeouts. Bench and Rose also finished in the top five for the award voting.

The Reds of this time period never had the best starting pitching in the league, but they were certainly more than good enough to support the incredible offense. In 1975, Don Gullett led the rotation with a 15-4 record and 2.42 ERA. The bullpen was also very good, with four relievers throwing more than 90 innings with a sub-3.00 ERA.

By 1975, the Reds were already well-tested in the World Series, having been twice but losing both. The 1975 World Series pitted them against the Red Sox and AL MVP Fred Lynn and a strong lineup that also included Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski and Carlton Fisk. It would become one of the most memorable World Series in MLB history, featuring Fisk’s dramatic home run to force Game 7. Morgan won the Series for the Reds with an RBI single in the top of the ninth in Game 7.

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