6 Reds players who would’ve won a Silver Slugger if it existed before 1980

Like so many other Major League honors, the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award did not exist when the sport was first played. The MVP Award was not recognized until 1931, Rookie of the Year didn't come around until 1940, and the Silver Slugger wasn't established until 1980.

As such, some of the greatest players in Cincinnati Reds history never received a Silver Slugger Award during their Major League careers; some of whom are even Hall of Famers. While there's probably more than just six former Reds greats who would've won a Silver Slugger if the award existed before 1980, let's look at some of the most obvious names who missed out.

Note: If a player won a Silver Slugger during his Major League career with another organization he was not considered for this exercise. So you won't see Pete Rose (1981 — Phillies) or Joe Morgan (1982 — Giants).

Reds players who would’ve won a Silver Slugger if it existed before 1980

Ted Kluszewski, Reds first baseman

Ted Kluszewski, the sleeveless slugger of the 1950s, went to four All-Star Games during his Major League career, and there's little doubt that Big Klu would've taken home a Silver Slugger or two during his 15-years in the big leagues. In 1954, he led the league in home runs (49) and RBI (141), and finished second in the MVP race to Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

Frank Robinson, Reds outfielder

Frank Robinson's Hall of Fame career includes two MVPs, a Rookie of the Year Award, 14 trips to the All-Star Game, and two World Series championships. But The Judge retired after the 1976 season and was never able to add a Silver Slugger to his résumé. Given his level of dominance over a 21-year career, Robinson may have topped Barry Bonds for the most Silver Slugger Awards of all-time (12).

Lee May, Reds first baseman

Lee May is a bit of a forgotten figure in the annals of Reds history, but the three-time All-Star had a year to remember in 1969. May posted an .860 OPS and recorded 38 home runs — one short of his career-high — to go along with 110 RBI. May received from down-ballot votes for NL MVP that year, though he is arguably most well remembered throughout Reds Country as the central piece of the trade enticed the Houston Astros to trade Joe Morgan to Cincinnati.

Johnny Bench, Reds catcher

Johnny Bench is arguably the greatest catcher to ever don the tools of ignorance. Bench hung up his cleats in 1983, but his offensive output had certainly seen a downturn in production. But Bench went to 13 straight All-Star Games from 1968-1980, and during that span launched 355 home runs. Mike Piazza holds the record for most Silver Sluggers by a catcher (10), but that's only because the award didn't exist when Bench was playing.

Tony Pérez, Reds first baseman

Tony Pérez is a seven-time All-Star, and it's a good bet he would've taken home a few Silver Slugger trophies during his career; though there would've been some tremendous head-to-head competitions between the Big Dog and Willie Stargell. From 1969-1975, Pérez averaged 28 homers and 106 RBI per season, and in 1970, he finished third in the MVP voting behind Johnny Bench and Billy Williams.

Wally Post, Reds outfielder

Ohio native Wally Post would've collected at least one Silver Slugger during his career. The outfielder spent 12 of his 15 big-league seasons patrolling right field for the Reds, but it was his 1955 campaign that truly stood out. Post hit .309/.372/.574 that season while racking up 40 homers and 119 RBI. His 40 round-trippers ranked sixth among all major leaguers in 1955, while Willie Mays' 51 led the way.

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