After 21 brutal regular seasons under the Castellini family, there’s only one conclusion to draw about the Cincinnati Reds ownership: they’ve either been lying through their teeth, or they’re a complete and utter failure. Seriously, that initial five-point plan, with its vague goals, had one clear, concrete promise emblazoned right at the top: “We will bring championship baseball to Cincinnati.” And guess what? Twenty-one seasons later, that pledge looks like a total joke.
The “Championship Baseball” Promise Was a Lie
Let’s be real, by absolutely no definition of “championship baseball” have these guys even gotten close to their stated goal. There haven’t been any World Series appearances, let alone a title. Not a single National League Championship Series appearance, either. We’re not talking about deep playoff runs here. You know how far back you have to go to find the Reds even atop their *own division*? Fourteen seasons! Think about that, fourteen years just to be the best in their own neighborhood. This isn’t just bad, it’s pathetic.
A Playoff Drought That Spans Generations
The historical pain for Cincinnati fans is just mind-boggling. They haven’t won a playoff series since 1995. And get this: that same year, 1995, was also the last time the team actually won a home playoff game in their own park. Cincinnati hasn’t won a playoff game *in Cincinnati* in a staggering 31 years. Frank Viola, who played on that last winning team in Cincinnati, just turned 66! And the stadium where they pulled off that win? It was reduced to rubble a quarter century ago. This isn’t “rekindling the Reds Nation spirit.” This is straight-up the literal definition of “resting while we are unhappy.” This ownership group has built one of the least respected organizations in all of baseball. It’s time.
Sell the team, Bob and Phil.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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