We encourage the Cincinnati Reds to retire Number 28 to honor Vada Pinson. Pinson patrolled center field at Crosley Field for eleven seasons, from 1958 to 1968, with uncommon grace and ability.
Although Vada Pinson came to the Major Leagues eleven seasons after Jackie Robinson blazed the trail for integrating African-Americans into the game, he was still part of the pioneering generation, dealing with a game and a society that was still struggling to come to grips with centuries of injustice.
He combined speed with power at a level few other players have achieved. Vada Pinson, Joe Morgan, Willie Mays and Andre Dawson, Ricky Henderson, Barry Bonds and Derek Jeter are the only players in baseball history to have reached the triple milestones of 2,500 hits, 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. Four of these men—Morgan, Mays, Henderson and Dawson—are in the Hall of Fame, and Jeter is a presumptive member. Many fans believe that Pinson deserves to join them in Cooperstown.
After spending seven more seasons with other teams, this quiet, unassuming man continued to contribute to the game, spending seventeen seasons as a well-respected coach. Some have called him the most underrated player of his era, or of any era. He passed away far too young at age 57 after suffering a stroke. This outstanding player and outstanding man deserves better. His legacy should not be forgotten. The Reds honored him in 1977 by electing him to their Hall of Fame. They should honor him once again by retiring Number 28.
Updates
September 10, 2014
Seeing 250 names on this list feels like a genuine tribute to a man who never asked for the spotlight. My father always talked about how Vada played with such quiet dignity and it means the world to see that legacy remembered this way.
Reached 250 supporters
September 7, 2014
September 6, 2014
Watching the signature count climb reminds me of how much history Vada Pinson brought to the field every single day. We are nearing the target and I need each of you to post this link on social media right now to help us break through.
Reached 100 supporters
August 9, 2014
226 Comments
One of my favorite out-of-town players as a kid. When the Reds came into Philly in the early 60's, we knew we had to deal with Vada, Frank R., Jerry Lynch and gang. Pinson would quietly patrol centerfield and covered ground smoothly and efficiently. One of the best of his era!
Vada had fantastic "odd" seasons, with 200+ hits in 1959, 1961, 1963 and 1965. Besides Pete Rose or course, Vada has to be one of the greatest players not in the HOF.
Grace on and off the field. Before and after Pete Rose,, Vada Pinson was my hero. We 7-year-old Cincinnatians didn't think about white and black, we just knew grace when we saw it.
Vada Pinson was my favorite Reds player growing up. He was a leftie like me. Years later I sent him a letter saying this and he sent me an autographed photo. It is my most prized piece of Reds memorabilia. Retire his number. He deserves it. His memory and legacy commands it.
Back in 1977 when he was elected to the Reds hall of fame, they should have retired his number then. It has been long overdue! Great all-around player!!
Retire #28; it's long overdue
My father also belongs in the Hall of Fame also.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
We encourage the Cincinnati Reds to retire Number 28 to honor Vada Pinson. Pinson patrolled center field at Crosley Field for eleven seasons, from 1958 to 1968, with uncommon grace and ability.
Although Vada Pinson came to the Major Leagues eleven seasons after Jackie Robinson blazed the trail for integrating African-Americans into the game, he was still part of the pioneering generation, dealing with a game and a society that was still struggling to come to grips with centuries of injustice.
He combined speed with power at a level few other players have achieved. Vada Pinson, Joe Morgan, Willie Mays and Andre Dawson, Ricky Henderson, Barry Bonds and Derek Jeter are the only players in baseball history to have reached the triple milestones of 2,500 hits, 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. Four of these men—Morgan, Mays, Henderson and Dawson—are in the Hall of Fame, and Jeter is a presumptive member. Many fans believe that Pinson deserves to join them in Cooperstown.
After spending seven more seasons with other teams, this quiet, unassuming man continued to contribute to the game, spending seventeen seasons as a well-respected coach. Some have called him the most underrated player of his era, or of any era. He passed away far too young at age 57 after suffering a stroke. This outstanding player and outstanding man deserves better. His legacy should not be forgotten. The Reds honored him in 1977 by electing him to their Hall of Fame. They should honor him once again by retiring Number 28.
Updates
September 10, 2014
Seeing 250 names on this list feels like a genuine tribute to a man who never asked for the spotlight. My father always talked about how Vada played with such quiet dignity and it means the world to see that legacy remembered this way.
Reached 250 supporters
September 7, 2014
September 6, 2014
Watching the signature count climb reminds me of how much history Vada Pinson brought to the field every single day. We are nearing the target and I need each of you to post this link on social media right now to help us break through.
Reached 100 supporters
August 9, 2014
226 Comments
Growing up a Pirate fan, always cringed when we had to plat Reds an face Robby and Vada.His stats are better than alot of HOFs. Definitely should be in HOF.
One of my favorite out-of-town players as a kid. When the Reds came into Philly in the early 60's, we knew we had to deal with Vada, Frank R., Jerry Lynch and gang. Pinson would quietly patrol centerfield and covered ground smoothly and efficiently. One of the best of his era!
Vada had fantastic "odd" seasons, with 200+ hits in 1959, 1961, 1963 and 1965. Besides Pete Rose or course, Vada has to be one of the greatest players not in the HOF.
Grace on and off the field. Before and after Pete Rose,, Vada Pinson was my hero. We 7-year-old Cincinnatians didn't think about white and black, we just knew grace when we saw it.
Vada Pinson was my favorite Reds player growing up. He was a leftie like me. Years later I sent him a letter saying this and he sent me an autographed photo. It is my most prized piece of Reds memorabilia. Retire his number. He deserves it. His memory and legacy commands it.
Back in 1977 when he was elected to the Reds hall of fame, they should have retired his number then. It has been long overdue! Great all-around player!!
Retire #28; it's long overdue
My father also belongs in the Hall of Fame also.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 500 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Growing up a Pirate fan, always cringed when we had to plat Reds an face Robby and Vada.His stats are better than alot of HOFs. Definitely should be in HOF.