There are baseball legends—and then there are Cincinnati Reds legends. From the hard-charging hustle of Pete Rose to the smooth leadership of Barry Larkin, the Queen City has been home to some of the greatest players to ever touch a bat.
But only one can wear the crown.
We asked 100 Reds fans across Facebook, Great American Ball Park, and local fan groups the ultimate question:
“Who is the G.O.A.T of all Reds legends?”
The answers were passionate, heartfelt, and in some cases… fiery. But in the end, one name rose above the rest:
Johnny Bench.
“The G.O.A.T of all G.O.A.Ts,” as one fan put it.
Here’s How the Top 5 Shaped Up:
#1 – Johnny Bench (46 votes)
A two-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and the literal backbone of the Big Red Machine—Bench didn’t just win; he dominated. Fans say it wasn’t just his stats, but his grit, leadership, and poise under pressure that secured his legacy.
“If you needed one guy to build a team around, it was Johnny. No one comes close,” one lifelong fan commented.
#2 – Pete Rose (28 votes)
The Hit King. The Hustler. A walking controversy and a Cincinnati hero all at once. While many voted for Pete, a few said his ban from baseball and off-field issues made it hard to give him the top spot. Still, fans agreed: No one played harder.
“He put his body on the line every single night—for the city. That’s why we still love him.”
#3 – Barry Larkin (14 votes)
The hometown hero and Hall of Fame shortstop. Larkin’s grace, intelligence, and consistency earned him a loyal fan base, especially among younger Reds fans.
#4 – Joe Morgan (8 votes)
Part of the heart of the Big Red Machine, Morgan’s impact on and off the field—especially as a voice of baseball—earned him deep respect from fans who grew up watching his game-changing play.
#5 – Tony Pérez & Eric Davis (tied with 2 votes)
These two may not have topped the list, but they remain iconic in Reds lore, each bringing unforgettable moments that still give fans chills.
What This Means for Reds Fans Today
The results weren’t just numbers—they were stories. Fans shared memories of watching games with their parents, meeting players at events, and collecting baseball cards they still have today.
This poll wasn’t just about stats. It was about heart. About who made you feel something.
And Johnny Bench, the quiet, steady leader behind the plate, made generations of Reds fans believe in greatness.
Now it’s your turn:
Do you agree with the fan vote?
Who’s your Reds G.O.A.T—and why?
Comment below with your favorite moment from that player’s career, and SHARE this with a Reds fan who needs to see it!
Let’s settle this once and for all—with love for the legends who made Cincinnati proud.
