What baseball fan could receive a better gift that a World Series victory by the Reds or the Indians? It's been a long time, although the Tribe came tantalizingly close in 1997.

The last crown was brought home by the Reds back in 1990, when the Lou Pinella-led team defeated Oakland 4 games to 2. The club that year was lead by Eric Davis, Barry Larkin and Chris Sabo, with top-flight starting pitching by Tom Browning, Jose Rijo, Norm Charlton and Jack Armstrong.

Before that we go back to the days of the Big Red Machine, winners of back to back titles in 1975-76 with arguably the best-hitting team in history. Sparky Anderson led a squad with all-stars at almost every position, including Hall-of-Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez, and the bad boy of baseball, Pete Rose. Among the arms that contributed were Jack Billingham, Don Gullett and Gary Nolan. In '75, the Reds won an astounding 108 games.

The Indians last glory year was just after WWII in 1948, when they licked the Boston Braves in a six game series. Starring for the Tribe were player-manager Lou Boudreau, Joe Gordon, Kenny Keltner, and the first Afro-American to play in the American League, Larry Doby. Pitching was the strength of this squad, though, anchored by Bob Feller and Bob Lemon.The Reds won the crown just before the war, in 1940, beating the Detroit Tigers in seven. A big year by first baseman Frank McCormick and a sterling rotation of Paul Derringer, Bucky Walters, Junior Thompson and Jim Turner brought the title to the Queen City.

The Tribe won their other World Championship back in 1920 behind legendary outfield and manager Tris Speaker, who hit .388 for the season. Playing shortstop for the team was Ray Chapman, who would, on August 17 of this year, become the only player in major league history killed by a pitched baseball. Chapman was replaced by Joe Sewell, who ended up in the Hall of Fame.

The previous year, 1919, the Reds had won their first title, beating the White Sox in the series. Stars of the '19 squad included Hall of Famer Edd Roush and hurlers Hod Eller, Dutch Ruether and Slim Sallee. (Don't you love baseball nicknames?)

Seven titles may not seem much to Yankee fans, but we Ohioans hold each one precious. Pleasant memories inspire hope that our stockings (Redlegs) are stuffed with October joy in 2007.