March 23 1962 – William DeWitt buys the Cincinnati Reds from the Crosley Foundation for $4.625 million.
Powell Crosley owned the team from 1934 until his death during spring training 1961. The Reds were largely successful during DeWitt’s ownership.
There are those of course who will focus on the Frank Robinson Trade, it is one trade that will live in infamy when he traded future Hall of Famer Robinson in 1966. In 1965 Cincinnati was potent offensively leading the National League in runs scored (825) and run differential (+121) but struggled to pitch consistently and win close games. That’s what forced DeWitt to make the deal as he dealt Robinson to the Baltimore Orioles for starting pitchers Milt Pappas and Jack Baldschun as well as outfielder Dick Simpson.
His ownership was more than that. The Reds made runs at the NL pennant in 62, 64, 65, and 67.
