BY SCOTT MacGREGOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Joe Morgan

The Reds, trying to repair relationships with both fans and former players, announced Monday they will retire the numbers of Cincinnati greats Joe Morgan, Frank Robinson and Ted Kluszewski in separate ceremonies this season.

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Baseball's oldest professional team previously had retired only two numbers of former Reds, manager Fred Hutchinson's No. 1 in 1965 and Johnny Bench's No. 5 in 1984. Fans wanted more recognition of the club's rich history.

''This is as much in response to the fans as a recognition of the players,'' said Reds Managing Executive John Allen, who chose the trio after consulting fans, players, and media.

Frank Robinson

Allen, who is running the team while President and Chief Executive Officer Marge Schott serves a league-mandated suspension, said he did not consult Mrs. Schott on the selections and instead got approval from the National League. Mrs. Schott, reached at home by the Enquirer, declined to comment.

Morgan, the National League Most Valuable Player in 1975 and '76 and a catalyst of the Big Red Machine, has been angered by alleged racial remarks attributed to Mrs. Schott and had said he would have no part in the retirement of his number as long as she was in charge of the team.

Ted Kluszewski

But Allen said Monday that the Hall of Fame second baseman agreed to be part of the ceremony when his No. 8 is retired June 6. Morgan, who played for the Reds from 1972 to '79, was unavailable for comment.

Robinson, also a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, played for the Reds from 1956-65 and hit at least 30 home runs in seven of those 10 seasons. His No. 20 will be retired first, on May 22.

''I feel I did as much for that franchise as anyone who ever put on a uniform,'' Robinson told the Enquirer Monday.

Kluszewski, who wore No. 18 while hitting 251 home runs for the Reds from 1947-57, will be honored July 18. He died in 1988.

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