The 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings are generally considered the first professional baseball team, because they were the first organization to pay their players. Although no official league had been formed, they played two seasons against independent teams and finished with a total record of 135-6.
The team now known as the Cincinnati Reds was first formed in 1890, joining seven other teams to form the National League. Their starters were:
Jerry Harrington, C
John Reilly, 1B
Bid McPhee, 2B
Left Marr, 3B
Ollie Beard, SS
Bug Holliday, OF
Joe Knight, OF
Hugh Nicol, OF
Billy Rhines, SP
