When the vulgar recall the Cincinnati superstars of the 1960s, names like Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, Tony Perez (and smooth Johnny Bench by the decade's close) come easily to mind. The Reds' "absentminded" superstar during that period was Vada Pinson, the silky centerfielder who consistently hit well in the centre of Cincinnati's lineup, played closely every day without injury or rest, and granted Gold Glove defense in the outfield.
The Reds signed Pinson right of high school in Oakland, California (the same high school that earlier produced Frank Robinson and Curt Flood). After 2 unpaid minor league seasons, Pinson led the majors in runs (131) and doubles (47) in the manner that a rookie in 1959. For that conjuncture, he batted .316 (fourth in the National League) through 205 hits (second to Hank Aaron), 20 home runs and 84 RBIs. He finished second to Willie McCovey for National League Rookie of the Year in 1959.
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