Reds History: Minor-league signing becomes key member of NL Central championship run

After trading future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and longtime left fielder Adam Dunn in 2008, the Cincinnati Reds were in the market to acquire an outfielder to begin the 2009 season. Among a multitude of acquisitions, the Reds signed former Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Jonny Gomes to a minor-league deal. Gomes inevitably emerged as a key figure in Reds 2010 NL Central division-winning season.

After starting the 2009 season at Triple-A Louisville, Gomes smashed his way into Cincinnati, hitting nine home runs, 10 doubles, and batting .282 over 37 games. Following his promotion, Gomes started 75 games with the Reds, primarily split between left and right field. He finished the 2009 season with 20 homers, 51 RBI, and a .267 batting average.

After proving himself in 2009, the Reds resigned Gomes to a one year, $800,000 deal for 2010. This signing solidified the Reds outfield and sealed Gomes fate as the team's everyday left fielder after the emergence of Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce.

Jonny Gomes provides a lift for the Reds' 2010 NL Central championship run

Gomes started off slowly in April, hitting just .217 with two home runs over 20 games but caught fire in May, slashing .364/.420/.636 with five homeruns and 22 RBIs including an 11-game hit streak in which he batted .432. His successful first half gave fans hope for an exciting second half to come. The Reds finished the first half 42-30 and 2.5 games ahead of the Houston Astros for first place in the NL Central.

Gomes had a mediocre August but got hot when the Reds needed him most, slashing .280/.325/.421 during September and October including a season-tying best 11-game hit streak from September while hitting .323 during this stretch. Gomes finished the season with 18 home runs and was second on the team with 86 RBI. The Reds famously won the NL Central for the first time since 1995 on September 28th courtesy of a walk-off home run from Jay Bruce in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Unfortunately, the Reds magical season came to an end rather quickly against the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. Gomes went 0-for-6 in two games during the playoffs. The Reds were swept in three games, which included future Hall of Famer Roy Halladay tossing a no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Although the 2010 season did not end how the Reds fanbase pictured, Gomes played a major role on that team. His initial minor league contract was laughable compared to his production on the field following his promotion in 2009, as he sparked hope for a fanbase that was (and still is) tired of continuous mediocrity and poor performance. Although young fans may not remember Gomes, his impact on the 2010 Reds will live on forever.

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