Larry Biittner becomes the first free agent ever signed by the Cincinnati Reds

Larry Biittner becomes the first free agent ever signed by the Cincinnati Reds

  On January 8, 1981, outfielder/first baseman Larry Biittner becomes the first free agent ever signed by the Cincinnati Reds. Since free agency had been instituted in 1976, the often-conservative Reds were the only team to refuse to enter the market. It does not go well when the 35 year-old first baseman/outfielder bats only .213…