The Reds failed to qualify for the World Series during his tenure, although the team did finish in second place, just three games out of first, during 1926.
Howley also had managerial experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League, leading the club to the pennant in 1918 and 1926.
Heilmann, who had played with the Tigers since 1914, had a career batting average of .342 with 164 home runs and 1446 RBI in 1990 games.
On October 29, the Reds made another transaction, as the team purchased outfielder Bob Meusel from the New York Yankees.
On February 5, the Reds purchased infielder Leo Durocher from the New York Yankees for cash and a player to be named.
The club made a few notable transactions during the season, as on May 21, Cincinnati traded second baseman Hughie Critz to the New York Giants for pitcher Larry Benton.
Less than a week later, on May 27 the Reds dealt outfielder Ethan Allen and pitcher Pete Donohue to the Giants for second baseman Pat Crawford.
Wins were scarce for the club during the season, although the Reds did sweep a five game series against the Brooklyn Robins in August.
First baseman Joe Stripp hit .306 with three home runs, 64 RBI and a team high 15 stolen bases.
Outfielder Bob Meusel batted .289 with 10 home runs and 62 RBI in 113 games, while outfielder Curt Walker batted .307 with eight home runs and 51 RBI in 134 games in his final major league season.
Infielders Other batters Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.