[WVRedsFan]

The only reason black was added to the Reds' uniforms was to sell more stuff. My secretary has a friend who works at Lids--the cap store (or did. I think they closed recently). Anyway, he says that when the Reds came out with their new design, they couldn't keep the caps in stock--especially the one with the black crown and the red bill. Kids loved them. He said it was still a best seller. I keep seeing these rap artists on MTV (just passing through) wearing Reds' caps and that helps sales.

He also said that the regular caps--no flash are order-only items these days. Unless you've got a catchy logo (Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs--I know) you don't sell caps unless the cap has some flash. I'd say put Mr. Red on there, but that would be hideous.

Bottom line is $$. The Reds and MLB get royalties from the sales of clothing. The more you sell, the more money you make. Thus, black.

I doubt you'll ever see the Reds again in all white uniforms with only red trim. I only liked the ones used in the beginning with the red pinstripes anyway, and despised the BRM plain white doubleknits. So, this is OK with me.