Best Cincinnati Reds Ever: Pete Rose v. Ernie Lombardi

Second Round Matchup | No. 1 Pete Rose v. No. 8 Ernie Lombardi

The next second round matchup in our “Best Red Ever” tournament features two of the purest hitters to ever wear a Cincinnati Reds uniform. Rose may be the best Reds player, but Lombardi’s blistering line drives may have something to say about that.

Rose:

Pete Rose’s first round win (91 percent of the vote) over Don Gullett in our Best Cincinnati Reds Ever tournament — along with a detailed write-up — can be found here.

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"He played 19 seasons with the Reds, including the first 16 seasons of his career, and the career .303 hitter finished with more walks (1,566) than strikeouts (1,143) and received Most Valuable Player votes in 15 different seasons; winning the award in 1973 despite hitting just five home runs. Rose also won the Rookie of the Year award in 1963 and was a 17-time All-Star including 13 appearances with Cincinnati."

Highlights

— ranks first in career hits (3,358) with the Reds

— ranks first in career doubles (601) with the Reds

— ranks first in career walks (1,210) with the Reds

— ranks fourth in career triples (115) for the Reds

— ranks fourth in career RBIs (1,036) with the Reds

— ranks 10th in career batting average (.307) with the Reds

— ranks sixth in career OBP (.379) with the Reds

— 2-time World Series champion with the Reds

— 1975 World Series MVP

— Rookie of the Year Award winner

— 13-time All-Star while with the Reds

Lombardi:

Ernie Lombardi’s first round win (68 percent) over Gus Bell — along with a detailed write-up — can be found here.

"The 17-year veteran backstop spent a decade with the Cincinnati Reds. Known for his scorching line drives and polar opposite running speed, Lombardi is one of the purest hitters to ever grace a Reds uniform. A five-time all-star with the club, he won the batting title with a .342 AVG in 1938. That same season he was named the National League Most Valuable Player."

Highlights

— ranks seventh in career batting average (.311) with the Reds

— ranks 16th in career RBI (682) with the Reds

— batting title winner in 1938 with the Reds

— World Series winner

— MVP award winner

— Pro Baseball Hall of Fame inductee

— Reds Hall of Fame inductee (in the inaugural class)

Next: Find the tournament breakdown here!

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