Fans bid farewell to Cinergy Field

[GaryMrMets]

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09/22/2002 8:29 pm ET
Fans bid farewell to Cinergy Field
By Chris Haft / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- This was for the youths, many of whom have grown into adults, that peddled Kid Glove Game tickets. This was for the fans whose baseball passion created Opening Day sellouts in hours, sometimes minutes. This was for people who think that Johnny Bench is the only catcher who ever lived, that hang on Marty's and Joe's every word and, yes, believe Pete Rose can do no wrong.

The postgame ceremony to celebrate the end of the Cincinnati Reds' tenure at Cinergy Field lasted barely more than an hour but was long on sentiment. Most of the sellout crowd of 40,964 who watched Philadelphia defeat Cincinnati, 4-3, stuck around Sunday afternoon to cheer their favorite players, absent or present, and to cherish the 33 seasons that professional baseball's oldest franchise spent in this ballpark.

They cheered for the greatness of Hall of Famers Tony Perez, Johnny Bench and Sparky Anderson, who took bows. And they cheered for the silliness of Chris Welsh, a broadcaster, former pitcher and Cincinnati native, who reminisced about buying standing-room-only tickets for a World Series game and sneaking into the lower deck -- just as many of them surely did.

"This facility will be gone in a number of months, but they'll never be able to take the memories away from us," Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman, one of four emcees, said as he launched the festivities.

People came ready to express their gratitude with applause, laughter, or plain old hollering. They weren't disappointed.

"Hello, hello, hello," said Joe Nuxhall, another emcee, upon his introduction. Though Reds fans are exceedingly familiar with Nuxhall, who pitched for the Reds for all of part of 15 seasons and has provided color commentary for 36 years, they roared as if he were a long-lost relative. Nuxhall, who retired in 1967, never played in this ballpark, which opened as Riverfront Stadium in 1970. But that hasn't dimmed its popularity with him.

Nuxhall gave fans another reason to bask in their Redsdom besides his mere presence. Pointing toward third base, he recalled the 1970 World Series against Baltimore and growled, "I can still see Brooks Robinson over there, diving and making plays, the dirty rat!"

At one point, Nuxhall referred to Cinergy/Riverfront as the "old orchard" -- a quaint yet ironic designation for what began as a multipurpose stadium with artificial turf and dirt cutouts around the bases instead of a classic earthen infield.

As the emcees began to introduce current and former players one by one, the first player to draw enormous cheers just with the mere mention of his credentials -- before his name was even spoken -- was former shortstop Davey Concepcion, who spent 19 years with the Reds.

Reds fans with a keen eye for controversy probably were watching when ex-infielder Ron Oester was waved onto the field. The Cincinnati native was offered the Reds' managerial opening following the 2000 season, but was denied a chance to counter the Reds' initial salary offer and was spurned in favor of Bob Boone. After jogging to the first-base line to receive his applause, Oester shook the hands of the first 14 honorees who were lined up -- until he came to general manager Jim Bowden. Oester skipped him.

Oester declined to comment about this incident afterward, but said, "It was great to see guys I hadn't seen in a while -- guys like Eric Davis, Kal Daniels and Davey. It's sad to see this place go, but the new ballpark looks outstanding."

In fact, the transition from the old to the new was a significant part of the ceremony.

Tommy Helms, who hit the first Reds home run at Riverfront Stadium (July 1, 1970 against Atlanta) and right-hander Ryan Dempster, who recorded the last pitching victory at Cinergy (Sept. 14 against Chicago), threw ceremonial last pitches.

Before that, at 5:24 p.m., three club employees with pickaxes dug up home plate and transported it in the same Zamboni machine that used to suck up moisture during rain delays to Great American Ball Park, the Reds' new home that's located literally next door. Carl Lindner, the Reds' principal owner, was at GABP to place home plate into the ground.

This quashed rumors that Rose, the all-time hits leader who's under a lifetime ban from baseball for gambling activities, would meet the Zamboni to plant home plate instead.

Had this actually happened, construction workers wouldn't have had to implode Cinergy Field on Dec. 29, as is scheduled. The fans would have torn it down for them out of sheer, boisterous glee.

From all appearances, Rose was nowhere near Cinergy Field on Sunday. But his presence was felt constantly.

More than a dozen times -- sometimes spontaneously, sometimes when Rose's name was mentioned -- fans burst into chants of Pete-Pete-Pete!" Several of the former Reds were interviewed on the field as a postgame treat; eight of the first nine cited Rose as an inspiration or expressed wishes that he were present.

Tom Browning, who pitched the only perfect game in Riverfront/Cinergy history on Sept. 16, 1988 against Los Angeles, took a can of red spray paint and drew the number "14," which adorned Rose's jersey, on the pitcher's mound.

"It needed to be done," Browning said. "I think all of us standing out here, as well as Marty and Joe and the 40,000 people here, wanted some recognition of Pete Rose."

The appreciation lasted well past the end of the ceremony, which was marked by one final fusillade of fireworks, the kind that erupt after a Reds home run or victory. Former Reds catcher Eddie Taubensee posed for a photo at home plate with the great Bench. Ex-pitcher Ron Robinson lovingly scooped up dirt from the mound as a souvenir. Shortstop Barry Larkin, another local native who's reaching the end of his 17th season with the Reds, spoke fervently about the Reds' being "a huge part of Cincinnati society. It means something and holds a value to me to be such a big part of what they're doing here in Cincinnati."

The Reds' story and history will continue. They'll just have to unfold somewhere else.

"We say goodbye," intoned Brennaman in his closing remarks, "to this fine old lady."

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Reds' Hall of Famers Tony Perez, left, and Johnny Bench watch taped highlights of the team's history in Cinergy Field during ceremonies that followed the final game Sunday. (Al Behrman/AP)

[GaryMrMets]

Lasts from Cinergy Field
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2002

Note: All lasts are from Sunday's game unless another date is listed.

Last visitors hit: Jason Michaels, Philadelphia, single, ninth inning (off Chris Reitsma).
Last Reds hit: Aaron Boone, home run, eighth inning.

Last visitors double: Travis Lee, Philadelphia, fifth inning.
Last Reds double: Gookie Dawkins, fifth inning.

Last visitors home run: Tomas Perez, Philadelphia, off Joey Hamilton, 11th inning, game two, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002.
Last Reds home run: Aaron Boone, off Philadelphia's Dan Plesac, eighth inning.

Last visitors RBI: Marlon Anderson, Philadelphia, eighth inning.
Last Reds RBI: Aaron Boone, eighth inning.

Last visitors run: Travis Lee, Philadelphia, fifth inning.
Last Reds run: Aaron Boone, eighth inning.

Last visitors stolen base: Bob Abreu, fifth inning.
Last Reds stolen base: Aaron Boone, sixth inning.

Last visitors base on balls: Travis Lee, Philadelphia, eighth inning.
Last Reds base on balls: Kelly Stinnett, ninth inning.

Last strikeout of a Red: Gookie Dawkins, by Jose Mesa, ninth inning.
Last strikeout by a Red: Doug Glanville, by Chris Reitsma, ninth inning.

Last seventh-inning stretch: 3:23 p.m.
Last win: Brandon Duckworth.
Last save: Jose Mesa.
Last loss: Jose Rijo.
Last batter: Todd Walker.
Last pitch: 2-1 fastball to Walker, he grounds out to second baseman Tomas Perez.
Last out: Todd Walker.

1:06 p.m. -- Sparky Anderson throws out the first pitch to Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.
1:16 p.m. -- Game begins with Jose Rijo throwing a fastball for ball one to Doug Glanville.
4:16 p.m. -- Game ends.

[GaryMrMets]

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09/13/2002 09:40 am ET
Final game introduction list

The following is a list of players who will be introduced for the post-game ceremony at the final game of Cinergy Field:

Sparky Anderson
Our first guest was the leader of the Big Red Machine and is a 2000 Hall of Fame inductee. He was the first manager to win a World Series in both leagues and only the seventh to reach 2,000 career wins. He was also named Manager of the Year twice in each league. Ladies and gentlemen, the "Main Spark", Sparky Anderson!

Johnny Bench
This Hall of Fame backstop played his entire 17-year career in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, accumulating a .267 batting average with 389 home runs and 1,376 RBI. A two-time National League MVP, he had his uniform retired by the Reds on August 11, 1984. The greatest catcher to ever play the game, this All-Century Team member earned 10 Gold Gloves and 14 All-Star Game selections during his illustrious career. He also garnered World Series MVP honors in 1976 as the Reds swept the New York Yankees for their second consecutive championship. Ladies and gentlemen, No. 5, Johnny Bench!

Todd Benzinger
This native of Greater Cincinnati and graduate of New Richmond High School caught Carney Lansford's foul pop to end the 1990 World Series, giving the Reds their fifth championship. He enjoyed his best season with the Reds in 1989, when he was named the club's Newcomer of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, Cincinnati chapter. Ladies and gentlemen, Todd Benzinger!

Bill Bergesch
Our next guest was the general manager of the Reds from 1984 to 1987. In his first season with the club he was named by ESPN as National League Executive of the Year. He has been involved in baseball since 1948. Please welcome Bill Bergesch!

Jack Billingham
This right-handed pitcher led the Reds with 77 wins from 1972 to 1976, helping the team to four division titles and two World Series championships. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1984. Acquired from the Houston Astros in November 1971, he enjoyed his finest season in 1973, going 19-10 with a 3.04 ERA while leading the National League with seven shutouts and tying for the league lead with 293 innings pitched. In seven World Series appearances for the Reds, including three starts, he went 2-0 with a microscopic 0.35 ERA. Please welcome "Cactus" Jack Billingham!

Bob Boone
This man was named the 56th manager of the Cincinnati Reds on November 3, 2000. He is a member of one of only three 3-generation baseball families in Major League history. His father, Ray, played 13 years in the Major Leagues as an infielder. His son, Bret, is currently an All-Star second baseman for the Seattle Mariners. His son, Aaron, is currently one of the best third basemen in the National League for the Reds. His son, Matt, is currently a prospect in the Reds' minor-league system. An All-Star catcher and Gold Glove Award winner during his 19-year career, please welcome Reds skipper Bob Boone!

Pedro Borbon
Our next guest is the Reds' all-time leader in games pitched with 531. This right-handed relief specialist averaged 70 appearances a year for the Reds from 1972 to 1978. He produced his best season in 1973, going 11-4 with a 2.16 ERA and 14 saves as Cincinnati won the National League West Division Championship. Ladies and gentlemen, Pedro Borbon!

Jim Bowden
At the age of 31, our next guest became the youngest person ever to become general manager of a Major League Baseball team when he was named to his position in October 1992. Now in his 10th season as general manager of the Reds, please welcome Jim Bowden!

Jeff Brantley
This intense right-handed reliever posted one of the best seasons of any pitcher ever to come out of the Reds' bullpen as he set a club record with 44 saves in 1996. The former Rolaids Relief Man of the Year is tied for fourth on the Reds' all-time saves list with 88. Let's have a big round of applause for Jeff Brantley!

Tom Browning
Only one word can be used to describe our next guest..."perfect". This gritty southpaw spent 11 seasons in a Reds uniform and made history on September 16, 1988 when he tossed the only perfect game ever by a Reds pitcher in a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers. He won 15 or more games four times, including a career-high 20 victories during his rookie season in 1985. Please welcome back Tom Browning!

Bernie Carbo
This former outfielder began his career with the Cincinnati Reds and helped the team reach the 1970 World Series with a stellar rookie year. During that season, he batted .310 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI. Please welcome Bernie Carbo!

Clay Carroll
Our next guest was one of the top relievers out of the Big Red Machine's bullpen. The two-time All-Star enjoyed his finest season in 1972, when he recorded 37 saves and posted a 2.25 ERA. He pitched eight seasons for the Reds and appeared in the postseason during four of those seasons. His 102 saves are the third-most in club history. Here is Clay "Hawk" Carroll!

Dave Concepcion
This former shortstop spent his entire 19-year career with the Reds, appearing in five National League Championship Series and four World Series. The best all-around shortstop of his era, he won five Gold Glove Awards, a pair of Silver Slugger Awards and was named to the National League All-Star Team nine times. During the 2000 season, he was inducted in the Reds Hall of Fame. Please welcome, number 13, Dave Concepcion!

Kal Daniels
This sweet-swinging outfielder was known for his combination of power and speed. In 1987, his first full season with the Reds, he batted .334 with 26 home runs and 26 stolen bases. He is one of only seven Reds players ever to record at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in the same season. He is Kal Daniels!

Eric Davis
One of the most talented players in the history of the Reds, our next guest could do it all on the baseball field. He began his career with Cincinnati in 1984 and went on to become a fixture in center field. This two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner enjoyed his best season in 1987, when he belted a career-high 37 home runs and produced 100 RBI. Please welcome back to Cinergy Field, Eric Davis!

Rob Dibble
Our next guest was one of the most intimidating forces ever to come out of the Reds bullpen, particularly in 1990, when he teamed with Randy Myers and Norm Charlton as a member of the "Nasty Boys". The two-time All-Star struck out 645 batters in just 477 innings during his seven-year Major League career. Ladies and gentlemen, Rob Dibble!

Nick Esasky
This slugging first baseman played six of his eight seasons in a Reds uniform, producing 21 homers in 1985 and 22 homers in 1987. Please welcome Nick Esasky!

Rawly Eastwick
Whenever Sparky Anderson needed someone to close the door in the late innings of a tight game, he called upon our next guest. His two wins and 2.16 ERA during the 1975 World Series helped the Reds to their first of two consecutive championships. With a league-leading 26 saves in 1976, he was named the Sporting News Fireman of the Year. Ladies and gentlemen, Rawly Eastwick!

Doug Flynn
No championship team wins without production off the bench. In 1975 and 1976, the Reds received major contributions from a young utility infielder who could fill in at second base, shortstop and third base. He proved to be particularly valuable during the 1976 campaign, when he batted .418 in a 15-game stretch filling in for the injured Joe Morgan. Ladies and gentlemen, Doug Flynn!

George Foster
This five-time All-Star was one of the game's top power hitters in the 1970s. His 52 home runs and 149 RBI during his MVP season of 1977 still stand as Reds all-time, single-season records. Perhaps his most memorable moment as a Red came during the 1972 National League Championship Series, when he raced home with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning on a wild pitch by the Pirates' Bob Moose in the Reds' 4-3, pennant-clinching victory. Let's welcome back George Foster!

Cesar Geronimo
For eight seasons, this man patrolled center field for the Reds with speed and grace, winning four consecutive Gold Gloves from 1974 to 1977. Acquired from the Houston Astros along with Joe Morgan, Jack Billingham and Denis Menke in November 1971, he went on to play a vital role in the Reds winning five division championships and two World Series titles. They call him "The Chief," Cesar Geronimo!

Ken Griffey Sr.
This career .296 hitter and three-time All-Star spent 12 of his 19 Major League seasons in a Cincinnati Reds uniform. He is one of only eight players to play for the Reds in three different decades. He enjoyed one of his finest seasons in 1976, when he hit a career-high .336. He is a former Reds coach and still serves the club as a scout. Ladies and gentlemen, Ken Griffey Sr.!

Don Gullett
During a nine-year Major League career, seven of which were spent with the Reds, our next guest accumulated a 109-50 record and 3.11 ERA. His .686 career winning percentage is the fourth-best in modern baseball history among pitchers with at least 100 victories. Along with five post-season appearances with the Reds, he also went to the World Series with the New York Yankees in 1977. In 1978, a rotator cuff injury ended his season and a possible Hall of Fame career at the age of 27. Earlier this season he was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame. Please give a nice hand for Reds pitching coach Don Gullett!

[GaryMrMets]

Tommy Helms
Our next guest was a two-time All-Star second baseman and the 1966 National League Rookie of the Year, and on July 1, 1970 he became the first Reds batter to homer at Riverfront Stadium. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1979. After his playing career he returned to Cincinnati as a coach and later as manager. Please welcome Tommy Helms!

Tom Hume
This native of Cincinnati pitched primarily in relief during his 11-year career, spent mostly with the Reds. He posted a career-high 25 saves in 1980 and recorded 17 saves in two other seasons. His most memorable save came in 1982 at the All-Star Game in Montreal. He can still be spotted in the Reds' bullpen today as a coach. Let's have a warm Cincinnati welcome for Tom Hume!

Danny Jackson
In 1988, his first season with the Reds, this lefthander turned in one of the best seasons in the history of the club. His 23 victories and 15 complete games led the National League that year as he finished second in the Cy Young Award voting. This two-time All-Star was also a member of the Reds' starting rotation during the championship season of 1990. Please welcome Danny Jackson!

Tracy Jones
Our next guest spent his first three seasons in a Reds uniform and played all three outfield positions. In 1987, he finished second on the team with 31 stolen bases. He is now a well-known radio personality for 700 WLW here in Cincinnati. Let's have a hand for Tracy Jones!

Ray Knight
Our next guest has served the Cincinnati Reds as a player, coach and manager. The two-time All-Star played 13 seasons in the big leagues, including six seasons with the Reds. In 1979, he replaced Pete Rose as the starting third baseman and batted a career-high .318 to earn team MVP honors. After his playing career he went on to coach for the Reds from 1993 to 1995 and then manage the Reds from 1996 to 1997. Now back with the team as its bench coach, please welcome Ray Knight!

Barry Larkin
According to baseball historians, he is one of the 10 most complete players in history. He is an 11-time All-Star and has won 9 Louisville Silver Slugger Awards and 3 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. He was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1995. The next season he became the first shortstop in Major League history to produce 30 homers and 30 steals in a single season. He is the Reds' captain, No. 11, Barry Larkin!

Will McEnaney
With a 5-2 record, 2.47 ERA and 15 saves in 70 appearances, this lefthander was one of the Reds' top relievers in 1975. He ended the season by saving Game 7 of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. He again played an important role out of the Reds' bullpen in 1976, earning two saves in Cincinnati's sweep of the New York Yankees in the World Series. Ladies and gentlemen, Will McEnaney!

John McNamara
The next gentleman had the unenviable task of following Sparky Anderson as manager of the Reds but produced an impressive winning percentage of .533 in 4 seasons from 1979-82. Please welcome former Reds manager John McNamara.

Hal Morris
One of the best pure hitters in the history of the Reds, our next guest owns a career .304 batting average. This dependable first baseman played 10 of his 13 seasons in Cincinnati. In 1990, he batted .340 to help the Reds win the National League West championship. He followed that performance by hitting .417 in the National League Championship Series vs Pittsburgh. In 1991, he finished second in the National League batting race. Ladies and gentlemen, Hal Morris!

Russ Nixon
Our next guest is a Cincinnati native and former Reds coach and manager. He also served the organization as a minor-league coach and manager. Ladies and gentlemen, Russ Nixon!

Fred Norman
This southpaw was acquired by the Reds in a June trade with the San Diego Padres during the 1973 season. He quickly contributed to the Reds' staff, tossing back-to-back shutouts in his first two starts with the team. He would go on to post a 12-6 record and 3.30 ERA that season for the Reds as they climbed out of fourth place to win the National League West Division. Please welcome Fred Norman!

Ron Oester
This next fan favorite spent 27 years in the Reds organization, including six years as a Major League coach. He was selected by Cincinnati in the June 1974 free-agent draft after graduating from Cincinnati's Withrow High School and spent his entire 17-year professional playing career in the organization. In 1,276 games during 13 seasons for the Reds from 1978-90, he hit .265 as one of baseball's premier defensive second basemen. In 1990, he hit .299 and helped the Reds win their most recent World Series championship. Please welcome Ron Oester!

Joe Oliver
This reliable catcher is best remembered for driving in the winning run in the 10th inning of Game 2 in the 1990 World Series vs. Oakland. He batted .333 for the series as the Reds swept the A's in four straight games. In 1993, he was named the Reds' team MVP by the Cincinnati Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, becoming the first catcher to win the award since Johnny Bench in 1973. Let's have a nice hand for Joe Oliver!

Paul O'Neill
This native of Columbus played eight of his 16 Major League seasons in a Cincinnati Reds uniform. Always an intense competitor and clutch performer, he propelled the Reds into the 1990 World Series by hitting .471 in the NLCS vs Pittsburgh. He followed the 1990 season with his first All-Star appearance in 1991 as he belted 28 home runs and produced 91 RBI. Please welcome back to Cinergy Field, Paul O'Neill!

Frank Pastore
This former right-handed pitcher spent seven of his eight Major League seasons in Cincinnati. He pitched both as a starter and reliever on the 1979 National League West-champion Reds. He became a full-time starter in 1980 and enjoyed his best season that year, going 13-7 with nine complete games and a 3.27 ERA. Please welcome Frank Pastore!

[GaryMrMets]

Tony Perez
Our next guest had his uniform #24 retired by the Cincinnati Reds during ceremonies on May 27, 2000. He received baseball's highest honor when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 23 of that same year. His illustrious career covered 23 years, including 16 seasons with the Reds. The seven-time All-Star owns a career batting average of .279 with 379 home runs and 1,652 RBI. Please welcome back the first baseman of the Big Red Machine, Tony Perez!

Ted Power
Primarily a relief pitcher during his 13 years in the Major Leagues, our next guest led the National League with 78 appearances for the Reds in 1984. He followed that campaign with a career-high 27 saves in 1985, good for third in the National League that season. He now works in the Reds' minor-league system as the pitching coach at Class-A Dayton. Ladies and gentlemen, Ted Power!

Bob Quinn
This lifelong next baseball executive was the club's general manager from 1989-92 and the architect of the 1990 World Series championship team. Please welcome Bob Quinn.

Jeff Reed
This catcher platooned with Joe Oliver during the 1990 championship season and batted .287 in the second half of the season, including back-to-back .300 months in July and August. He has enjoyed a long career in the Major Leagues, including five seasons with the Reds. His most memorable moment as a Red came when he caught Tom Browning's perfect game on September 18, 1988. Please welcome Jeff Reed!

Jose Rijo
In 8 seasons from 1988-95 this next pitcher won 92 games with a .617 winning percentage. He was the 1990 World Series Most Valuable Player. He ranks among the club's all-time pitching leaders in almost every category and in the last 2 seasons has made one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. Ladies and gentleman, Jose Rijo.

Ron Robinson
Everyone remembers Tom Browning's perfect game in 1988, but earlier that season our next guest nearly pulled off the same feat as he retired 26 consecutive Montreal Expos on May 2 here at Cinergy Field. It was the closest any team had ever come to throwing two perfect games in the same season. In his seven seasons with the Reds, he proved to be valuable both as a starter and as a reliever. Let's have a warm welcome for the "True Creature" Ron Robinson!

Jeff Shaw
In 1997, his first season as a closer, this native of nearby Washington Court House won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award with 42 saves and a 2.38 ERA. He followed that campaign with a 48-save season in 1998 for the Reds and Dodgers. Please welcome Jeff Shaw!

Wayne Simpson
In 1970, our next guest was enjoying one of the best years of any pitcher in baseball before a right shoulder injury ended his season. He finished 14-3, including 10 straight victories, and tossed 10 complete games to help the Reds win the National League West. He was also named to his only All-Star Game that memorable season. Ladies and gentlemen, Wayne Simpson!

John Smiley
This crafty lefthander spent five seasons in a Reds uniform and played a key role in the team winning the 1995 National League Central Division championship. During that All-Star season, he went 12-5 and posted a 3.46 ERA. Please welcome John Smiley!

Mario Soto
This righthander from the Dominican Republic spent his entire 12-year career with the Reds and ranks second on the club's all-time list with 1,449 strikeouts. He is the only Reds pitcher to lead the team in strikeouts in six different seasons. The three-time All-Star established a Reds single-season record with 274 strikeouts in 1982. In 1983 he was the recipient of the Buck Canel Award as the Major Leagues' top Latin-American player, and last season he was inducted in the Reds Hall of Fame. Please welcome Mario Soto!

Jimmy Stewart
This versatile utility player helped the Reds reach the 1970 World Series as he appeared at every position except shortstop and pitcher and batted .317 as a pinch hitter. Former Reds manager Sparky Anderson once said, "Baseball needs people like Jimmy Stewart, guys who are willing and eager to do anything asked them. He's great to have on the ball club." Ladies and gentlemen, Jimmy Stewart!

Eddie Taubensee
Our next guest was the Reds' starting catcher for most of his seven seasons with the team. He was a key ingredient in a Reds club that won 96 games in 1999. That season, his best in the majors, he batted .311 with 21 home runs and 87 RBI, all career highs. Please welcome Eddie Taubensee!

Bobby Tolan
This speedy outfielder averaged 35 stolen bases in his four seasons with the Reds, including a National League-leading 57 steals in 1970. After an achilles injury sidelined him for the entire 1971 season, he came back strong in 1972 with a .283 batting average and 42 steals to help the Reds reach the World Series. Ladies and gentlemen, Bobby Tolan!

Woody Woodward
This man played the last three seasons of his nine-year career with the Cincinnati Reds and was a valuable player as he played all four infield positions, mostly shortstop. Ladies and gentlemen, Woody Woodward!

[pmeares17]

John Smiley
This crafty lefthander spent five seasons in a Reds uniform and played a key role in the team winning the 1995 National League Central Division championship. During that All-Star season, he went 12-5 and posted a 3.46 ERA. Please welcome John Smiley!


i remember him he was a pirate back in the good ole days