Alright, a lot to cover here, but you have to let me rant for a minute.  As many of you know, I am a West Virginia Mountaineers fan.  I know this team wasn’t good enough to even make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I do.  But man, did they get screwed over by some of the most corrupt decisions in college sports history, as well as Indiana getting the short straw as well.  West Virginia was left out of March Madness, yet North Carolina, Xavier, and Texas somehow found their way in.  Baffling right?  Let’s take a look into the numbers for each of these schools and you tell me if Bubba Cunningham (Athletic Director of North Carolina/Chairman of the Committee) had anything to do with this-he did. He secured a $104,000 bonus for getting the Tarheels in the dance on top of it.  Maybe we should let Peebles High School Athletic Director be the chairman of OHSAA and get Peebles the easiest route in the dance every year, while giving him a bonus for doing so.  Works for Bubba, right?

West Virginia –  111/111 bracketologists had WVU in the dance, Wins over Gonzaga (Neutral court), Arizona (Neutral court), Kansas (at Kansas), and Iowa State, 6 Quad 1 wins, 0 Quad 3 or 4 losses, .500 in the Big 12, Defeated 4 ranked teams, 4 Big 12 road victories, 3 wins against AP Top 10 teams (most in the Big 12), 1 of only 30 teams to have 6 quad 1 victories.  And don’t give me the injury excuse.  Tucker DeVries hasn’t played since December 6^th before conference play.  Give me a break!

North Carolina – 27/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-12 in Quad 1 games (Atrocious), Quad 3 loss, Beat UCLA (Only ranked team they beat), 13-7 in a very poor ACC, 13 losses…But hey, they almost beat Duke

Xavier – 30/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-9 in Quad 1 games, ranked wins over Marquette and Uconn, 13-7 in the Big East. 

Texas – 50/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 15 losses, 6-12 in conference play (WOOF), Wins over ranked opponent Mississippi State, Texas A&M, UK, Missouri.

Which resume would you want if you wanted to get in the tournament?  Do you think the Athletic Director of North Carolina should be a chair on the selection committee?  I didn’t think so.  Shame on the NCAA. 

Bags Secured for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

At last, our beloved duo finally has reached an agreement with Chase and Higgins including: 4 year extension for Chase, $161 million, $112 million guaranteed (Highest paid non-QB in NFL history).  Higgins signed a four year extension for $115 million and becomes the highest WR2 in NFL history.  Never say the Bengals are cheap ever again, as they just forked up the cash and added tax!  However, this shows that they waited too long.  Nail the draft Cincinnati and start paying your stars early, while reaping the benefits later.  Prices don’t go down, Brown Family!  Be happy though Bengals fans, as this is huge.  Hendrickson, you’re next if at all possible.  Defense has some major holes that need filled and I expect the draft to be majorly focused on pass rush and secondary help. 

One Week until Reds Opening Day

With just a week and some change until Reds Opening Day, the excitement is building around Cincinnati.  This city is ready for some baseball and the city desperately needs a contender this year-and I think they will get just that.  However, there are some areas of concern as of late:

• Tyler Stephenson will miss some time with an oblique strain-Massive blow to the lineup
• Jose Trevino is day to day with a thumb injury, leaving us with Wynns should Trevino also miss time
• Spencer Steer will likely miss Opening Day, but Francona is giving him every chance to try and be ready come next week

Outside of this though, the Reds are relatively healthy and look to bounce back from these injuries fast.  Cincinnati is in a much better spot than last season regarding health.  Some notable players that will not be making the Opening Day roster this year include Noelvi Marte and Will Benson.  Both have struggled, although I can see Benson joining the team within a month or so of playing time in AAA, as I think he is a true Major League batter.  If Stephenson and Steer both miss time, I expect Blake Dunn to be given a chance to make an impact quick, with Hurtubise ready to get some major league time as well.  They both have been highly impressive this Spring. 

Reds baseball is nearly here and it is the most magical time of the year!  Well unless you ask my wife, as we visited Dollywood this weekend and she got to see Dolly Parton in the parade.  I guess I owed her for the years of dragging her to RedsFest, Reds Games, and Bengals games! Seeing her happy to see Dolly was worth it and I owed her for the amount of time she has spent in line with me to talk to players season after season!

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I didn’t want to have to rant about this and it is sad that it has gotten to this point, but the mismanagement from Bengals ownership has truly sent this organization on a downward spiral.  I’d like to stand outside of Paycor Stadium and yell “The Price will only increase” until one of them understands.  If Cincinnati would’ve acted when they should have, Bates would be playing for 12 million per year, Higgins would’ve signed for 23 million per year, Chase for 35 million per year, and Hendrickson for 25 million per year.  Prices aren’t going down and after the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signings, these players will want even more.  Now that Duke Tobin has agreed to make Ja’Marr the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history (never ever say that before a signing), we now are looking at 40+ million for Chase. 

It’s time to get the deals done, eat the losses that are a direct result of incompetence, and change the way this organization operates.  I love the Bengals, I really do.  Paul Brown was known as one of the biggest influencers to the game of football, but his family has failed to understand how to properly handle contracts and forming a roster.  As JJ Watt stated, “Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run.”  Never allow yourself to get in these standoffs year after year with your franchise players.  With that being said, I expect a deal done with Higgins today.  If not and if this team goes into camp with multiple players unhappy with contract situations, you can nearly bank on another slow start.  Now, there has been some good news as of recent, as Cincinnati locked up Gesicki and Ford, but it’s time to take care of our star players.  Easy for me to say though when it’s not my money, right?

17 Days Away from Reds Opening Day

With just over two weeks away from meaningful baseball, the Reds are in a relatively healthy position and I truly believe this team has a chance at surprising a lot of people around the baseball world.  Hats off to Meador, Krall, and ownership for everything they’ve done to get this roster to a point of truly being able to compete.  Francona is ready to make some noise and the city needs a quality year of Reds baseball.  This truly feels like the year that it happens. 

• The Reds announced the first 4 in the rotation to begin the year: Greene, Lodolo, Martinez, and Singer.  The 5^th spot is up for grabs between Abbott (injury), Lowder (injury), Spiers, and Ashcraft.  I’d feel a whole lot better if Lowder or Abbott filled this 5^th spot in the rotation. 
• If Steer is out, I think it comes down to Hurtubise or Dunn for that final spot.  I think they’ve both played well, but Blake Dunn deserves that final spot. 
• We have a true professional that will likely debut this year or next for the Reds in Sal Stewart.  His approach is just different than our other prospects.  He gets a lot of praise around the league. He looks major league ready.
• Chase Petty could find himself on the big league roster after a stint in AAA.  He’s finally coming around and is posting some impressive numbers. 
• I want to see Chase Burns on the fast track to the big leagues.  The 22 year old could find himself in a Skenes situation this season and I hope he pitches well enough to force the hand of calling him up early on this season.  He has major league stuff already. 
• Chris Sabo is the 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshal.  This is awesome and I am hopeful for a Votto appearance in the future. 

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Baseball season is officially back!  Well, Spring Training at least and I’ll take anything at this point, as it has been the longest Winter stretch that I can recall in my lifetime.  The snow, wet grounds, brutal weather, and boring Bengals season is going to put even more pressure on the Reds to have a good start to the season.

Early News out of Spring Training

• Gavin Lux will play 2^nd base and 3^rd base to begin Spring Training and will not be working on outfield rotations.
• Rhett Lowder is ramping up throwing this week.  He added roughly 20 pounds this offseason.
• Andrew Abbott lost 20 pounds this offseason.
• Terry Francona has continuously stated to Elly that he wants him to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.  He’s been a frequent visitor to Francona’s office.
• Jeimer Candelario came into Spring Training healthy and ready to redeem himself and his contract in 2025.

Who to Keep an Eye on?

As the Reds begin Spring Training this week, there are a few key players to keep an eye on as they compete for positions.  Injuries will occur, as with any team, and after last season’s disaster, complaining about too many infielders should never be a complaint ever again. 

• Jeimer Candelario – Can he be versatile enough to play third base?  Or will Christian Encarnacion-Strand play well enough to play this position?  Perhaps, Spencer Steer will even find himself in the infield again.
• Santiago Espinal isn’t being talked about enough.  His defense is immaculate, and his .246 average last season was solid for this team in just 357 at bats.  If his WAR can get back to his 2021 or 2022 levels (2.2-2.5), he could compete for a lot of playing time. 
• Gavin Lux and how he fits into this roster if fully healthy will be quite interesting. 
• Can Noelvi Marte or Will Benson play well enough to make the roster on Opening Day or will their droughts from last season continue?
• Nick Martinez’ role should be seen early into Spring Training and it’ll be interesting to see if they initially use him as a starter.  Same for Graham Ashcraft and his role going forward for this team.
• Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand or Elly De La Cruz will have to become the power bat that this team desperately needs.  A 30 homerun guy on this roster shouldn’t be too much to ask for. 

The post Reds Spring Training begins, pressure mounts appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

While the Bengals might have a losing record, they certainly put together the most entertaining games week after week.  37 points for Cincinnati, 10 combined turnovers, and 25 combined penalties – but hey, the playoff hopes are alive.  What exactly is it going to take for the Bengals to make the playoffs?  A lot, but let’s dive in:

• Cincinnati has to go 3-0 over the final 3 weeks (Browns, Broncos, Steelers)
• Dolphins need to lose 1 more game
• Colts need to lose 1 more game
• Broncos or Chargers need to go 0-3

In the words of Lloyd Christmas, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”  While I don’t think this team finds a way in the playoffs, I can promise you that no team in the AFC wants to see this offense squeeze into the playoffs.  I think a McPherson field goal or the 4^th down penalty against the Chiefs will haunt us in the coming weeks and bring this season to a close, but for now, let’s just enjoy being mathematically still in the hunt. 

Silent Reds

While other teams in the division are making big moves, the Reds have remained silent since the India-Singer trade.  The front office has made it clear that they are in the market for a big bat, but have yet to connect on a deal.  As teams begin to make trades and free agents find homes, names that come to mind in being a good fit for this club include Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez (not happening), Joc Pederson, and Jesse Winker.  Ensuring this team brings in a power bat is a necessity in order for this team to truly contend in 2025, as running out last year’s crew will not be enough.  Since Eugenio Suarez left the Queen City, this team has desperately missed having someone that can change the score of a game in one swing at any given time.  No more silence, let’s get this roster ready to go and not be late for the party and settle. 

Luke Waddell joins Matt’s Take

Loveland High School graduate and a player in the Atlanta Braves organization kindly joined Matt’s Take this week.  Luke has worked up the ranks in the organization and found himself playing AAA ball in 2024.  In his minor league career, he is batting .259, has impressive OBP numbers, and continues to make his hometown proud with his continued success as a professional.  I appreciate him taking the time to join Matt’s Take (if you need a tattoo in the area, go visit Jason Barnhart-Luke’s family, best in the business)!

Q: As a Loveland High School graduate, what is your favorite high school sports memory?

A: Well my freshman year our football team won the state championship so that was pretty special. Playing in Canton on the Hall of Fame field in the snow is something I’ll never forget. My favorite though was probably just my junior and senior years of playing all sports because it was the last year I was able to play with all the guys I grew up playing with. So many years playing with a bunch of guys in youth sports all the way into high school. It’s always my favorite to look back and think about all those memories with them.

Q: What are your goals for the 2025 season?

A: Just getting better every day. I can’t really control anything except what I do every day so I just want to be healthy and be able to play every day.

Q: What are you looking to improve the most before Spring Training?

A: Really everything. I want to be faster, stronger, quicker. I’m just trying to polish everything I can so I can be at my best by the start of the season.

Q: If you ever had a chance to make it back to Cincinnati, would have interest in the Reds organization?

A: Yeah of course. I can’t really control that at all but it’d be really cool to come back here. I remember going to games growing up and Cincinnati has a great fan base. Being able to be close to family like that would be really cool.

Q: What advice would you give young athletes in the Cincinnati area who want to follow in your footsteps of playing baseball for a career?

A: Just go out and play. I think sometimes people think there needs to be specialized training too early. When you’re young just go play baseball and that’ll help you the most. Then when you get older you can really specialize and train specific baseball skills but going out and playing will help the most.

Q: What is the most interesting baseball story you have?

A: Can’t really think of anything specific, but it’s been a lot of fun being on a ton of different teams. Meeting guys from all over the country. I’ve met a lot of great guys and have made a lot of great relationships that I’ll have forever.

Ben Verlander joins Matt’s Take

Throughout the baseball community, one of the most knowledgeable analysts in the game is certainly Ben Verlander. He is a Fox Sports MLB analyst, host of the Flippin’ Bats Podcast, former professional baseball player, and is the brother of Justin Verlander. Ben previously has made some bold predictions regarding the Reds in the National League Central and I was lucky enough to talk baseball and pick the brain of Ben regarding Cincinnati. Our Q&A is below:

Q: What is the biggest weakness of this Reds roster currently in your opinion?

A: I think the Reds weakness right now is in the Outfield. I think 1 big bat needs to be added to add depth to the outfield and their lineup.

Q: What were your thoughts on the Terry Francona hire?

A: I absolutely love the Francona hire. I’m in on this Reds team just as I was last year. But better health this year along with a HOF manager is going to be huge for this young team.

Q: Do you believe the Reds won the Singer-India trade?

A: I do believe the Reds won the trade. Although it can be seen as a win/win. But the Reds just ran out of room for India. And to be able to flip him for Brady Singer is huge.

Q: What are your expectations for Elly De La Cruz for the upcoming season?

A: Elly De La Cruz will continue to take another step forward in 2025. The goal should remain the same as last year. Continue to improve the approach and plate discipline. That will continue to develop and he will continue to get better and better

Q: What is your way too early, NL Central prediction for 2025?

A: My way too early prediction for the NL Central in 2025 is that we will have a 3 team race between the Cubs/Brewers/Reds. If the Reds can add one more bat they can win a very winnable NL Central

Feature Image: Ben Verlander and Luke Waddell. Photo provided

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    Former Cincinnati Reds’ right fielder Dave Parker has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame alongside seven-time All-Star, Dick Allen. They’ll be inducted during a ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025.

    “Parker was named on 14 of 16 ballots and Allen on 13 of 16 ballots as the only candidates to reach the 75-percent threshold necessary for election,” according to a news release.

     Parker, 73, won two World Championships in his 19 big league seasons. Nicknamed “The Cobra,” he was born in Mississippi and grew up in Cincinnati. He attended Cincinnati’s Courter Technical High School, where he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1970 in the 14th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his major league debut in 1973.

    Parker won back-to-back National League batting titles in 1977-78 and earned MVP honors in 1978 as well. He won the World Series with the Pirates in 1979, and again 10 years later with the Athletics. He’s a three-time Gold Glove Award winner in right field, and was known during his time with the Reds as a mentor to Barry Larkin and Eric Davis. He became a free agent in 1983 and was drafted by his hometown team.

    At age 68, Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He lives with his wife, Kellye, in Cincinnati. Allen died in 2020.

    Parker’s time with the Reds was brief compared to his 11-year run as a Pirate, but he made an impression as  a Reds player that led to him being inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2014.

     He was with the Reds from 1984 through 1987. The 1985 campaign was Parker’s best while wearing a Reds uniform. He batted .312 and led the National League in doubles (42), RBI (125) and total bases (350). In Cincinnati, Parker played in 631 games and had a batting average of .281, hitting 107 home runs.

     Parker’s impressive numbers in 1985 resulted in him being second in the voting for National League MVP. He was edged out of a second MVP award that year by Cardinals outfielder Willie McGee.

   In his career, Parker averaged a .290 batting average with a total of 339 home runs in more than 2,400 games. Parker, the 1978 National League MVP, was also a seven-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, three-time Silver Slugger winner, two-time NL batting champion and a two-time World Series champion in his 19-year MLB career.

    Additionally, Parker was the first professional athlete to earn $1 million per year, paving the way for athletes of all races across all sports.

      After his four years with the Reds, Parker also played with Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays and California Angels, which became the Los Angeles Angels.

      In his career, Parker averaged a .290 batting average with a total of 339 home runs in more than 2,400 games.

       Parker was honored in South Cumminsville on November 1, 2023.  The City of Cincinnati, Cumminsville Community Council, and the Cincinnati Reds honorarily named Borden Street at Elmore Street near his childhood home as Dave Parker Way. 

     “I’m really honored to be here today, because this is where it all started,” Parker said at the street naming ceremony. “I’ve seen people today I used to play baseball with, go to school with. It was a pleasure growing up here. And I drive through here on occasion just to reminisce, because this is it. This is where it started and made me the individual that I am.”

        Parker’s family and other former Reds players attended the ceremony alongside Parker.

        The street renaming honor also recognize Parker for his contributions to the Cincinnati community and his lasting impact on baseball. 

      Cincinnati City Councilmember Mark Jeffreys, during the street renaming ceremony, pulled out a Dave Parker baseball card, the first baseball card he had as a kid, and said, “Dave has always been a personal hero of mine and an icon. So, when the South Cumminsville Community Council approached me wanting to honor him where he grew up, I said it would be my honor. The amount that he’s given back to the city of Cincinnati is phenomenal.

     “It’s an absolute privilege to sponsor this street unveiling in his name. I really appreciate him for touching my life as a young child and his everlasting contribution to the great sport of baseball and to our city.”

    Parker was accompanied by his wife, Kellye, and several members of his family. The whole event felt like a family affair with all the stories told and love shown to the man known as “The Cobra.”

      “Congrats to Dave on this well-deserved honor,” Reds President and COO Phil Castellini said. “The Reds are so proud the neighborhood includes you as a marquee of its importance in Reds history. It’s performances such as yours where you have met life’s ups and downs with determination, grace and grit that will inspire the next great player to emerge from our local ballfields.”

     Parker has been battling Parkinson’s disease for over a decade and during that period has poured much of his time, energy and resources into the Dave Parker39 Foundation. The all-volunteer, non-profit organization has raised thousands of dollars over the years in the effort to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease and make life better for those living with the disease.

Feature Image: Dave Parker during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. Photo by Michael Mitchell

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New week, same results and identical game.  The offense puts up an absurd amount of points, the defense gives up even more points, Zac Taylor still believes in his team, blah blah blah.  Honestly, I am glad we can all now come to the realization that playoffs were never going to happen and it’s time for ownership to see a downfall in attendance at the games and a downfall in enthusiasm from the fans.  The way this team has been handled since the Super Bowl run has been shameful.  Let’s dive into what has went wrong over the last few seasons that has caused this Bengals team to be nearly unwatchable:

• Letting Jessie Bates III walk and sign with the Falcons was a massive mistake.  The secondary has never been the same.  While you can’t keep everyone, Jessie Bates III should’ve never been let go.
• The front office letting DJ Reader walk and sign with the Lions this season was disastrous for our front line.  Another former Bengals star who the Bengals weren’t willing to pay, while thinking they could find someone on the market for cheaper.
• Zac Taylor is 11-23 against the AFC North.  Would anyone else have him as a head coach?  If the answer is “no,” and it is, then it’s time to move on. 
• Two year, 24.5 million dollar contract for Sheldon Rankins?  Woof! That could’ve went to DJ Reader.
• Geno Stone signed a 2 year, 14 million dollar contract and is the worst ranked safety per PFF in all of football.  Who in the world thought that would be a good idea?  Nick Scott 2.0
• Frank Pollack is long overdue for the call of being fired.  It doesn’t matter who is out there, the offensive line has the same problems year after year.
• Lou Anarumo, I know you don’t have much to work with.  I feel for the personnel that you’ve been given.  It’s no excuse though for the weekly disastrous missed tackling, terrible schemes, and weekly blunders.  Everyone on Earth knew Fields was running the ball to close out the game Sunday but your defense.  Goodbye Lou.
• 9 of the last 10 Top-100 draft picks have been used by the Bengals on defensive players.  How is the defense this bad?
• The team plays nearly the entire game in shotgun and then we all wonder why Mixon is thriving in Houston?  Maybe because they run an offense under center and keep the defense guessing. 
• Mike Brown, Katie Blackburn, Duke Tobin, Troy Blackburn, Trey Brown, and the rest of the front office have failed miserably in the handling of this team since the Super Bowl run. 

Reds Baseball to Ease the Mind

After a losing season from the Reds and a horrific season from the Bengals, it is now up to Terry Francona and the Reds organization to get this city out of this slump.  How can this team truly contend for a National League Central Title? Well let’s take a look:

• The trade for Brady Singer makes even more sense now after seeing the amount of money Montas just signed for with the Mets (2 year, 34 million).  Pitchers are at a higher premium than ever and I need forgiveness for my previous opinion on the Martinez deal.
• If Noelvi Marte doesn’t develop and if Candelario stays around the .200 mark with little power, the Reds have a real problem at 3^rd base.  This needs addressed.
• Cincinnati needs Greene to continue his dominance, Lodolo to have a healthy season, Abbott to find the endurance to finish strong, Martinez to be a true starter, Lowder to continue to develop, and health to be on the side of others on the pitching staff.  Brady Singer will also have to tweak his pitching to Great American Ball Park.
• Power Bat Wanted Signs should be posted throughout the city.  Will Benson and Jake Fraley aren’t enough to contend for a title.  Go get a power bat. 
• A culture change and winning mindset has to take over.  I think Terry Francona can lead in this department. 
• A few bullpen acquisitions need to take place preferably on 1-year deals.

The post The worst defense in Bengals history; Reds baseball to ease the mind appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Conrad Clowers

Herald Sports Writer

Let’s just face it. David Bell was not a good fit for the Cincinnati Reds. The now former Reds manager set a record for most ejections from a game. He was saddled with making questionable calls. It got to the point where Reds brass had grown so tired of Bell he didn’t even get to complete the 2024 season. With five games left in the MLB season the Reds fired Bell. Nobody’s crying for Bell, as he will be paid by the Reds not to work. The team still has to pay Bell his contract that lasts through 2026.

Bell finished his Reds managing career with 409 wins and 456 losses. He managed six season, and had one playoff appearance. When you trade in a car, you usually want to look for an upgrade over what you just had. No doubt the Reds followed that philosophy. David Bell’s ending became Terry Francona’s beginning. Going into the 2025 season, the Reds now have a seasoned veteran coach. A coach that has had success every place he has managed. While at Boston, Francona won not one but two World Series titles. Francona has managed a total of 23 years with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians. In all that time the new Reds manager has 921 wins against 757 losses.

Francona’s health had gotten to the point where it was bad enough after the 2023 season for him to leave the game. He spent the 2024 season healing and nursing himself back to full strength. They say that timing is everything. When the Reds came calling Francona says he was back to being healthy and ready for a new challenge. The Reds’ new skipper will have a host of talented plays such as Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain to work with. It never truly felt that Bell was able to get the most out of the talent that he had.   

Francona has managed such superstars as Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and Corey Kluber. All ended up either winning or playing in a World Series under Francona.

The expectations of the Cincinnati Reds were instantly taken up a level the second Francona was named new skipper. It’s not the first time the Reds have hired legends at the manager position. The team had Dusty Baker, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella as skippers in the past as well. All were able to get the most our of their talent. If any one can get this group to play the best ball they can possibly play and take results to the next level, Terry Francona is as good of a bet to do that as anybody.   

The post Francona breath of fresh air appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Michael Miller

Public Information Officer

University of Cincinnati

As Cincinnati mourns the passing of Major League Baseball great Pete Rose, many fans are paying tribute to the all-time hits leader by placing flowers, baseball memorabilia and candles at his bronze statue outside Great American Ball Park.

University of Cincinnati grad and sculptor Tom Tsuchiya designed the sculpture to capture Charlie Hustle’s signature headfirst slide into home plate. He consulted with Rose while working on the scale model in his studio. A lifelong Reds fan, Tsuchiya said the pressure was on.

“He told me, ‘This better be good,’” Tsuchiya said.

Tsuchiya remembers the day the Cincinnati Reds unveiled the artwork on a scorching hot day in 2017.

“Pete had a big smile. He loved it. He gave it a big thumbs up,” Tsuchiya said.

Long after the dedication ceremony, Rose returned to the sculpture to spend time with the masterpiece of art and engineering. The sculpture features a cantilever design to suspend Rose in midair.

Tsuchiya took the return visit as the ultimate compliment.

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By Michael Anderson

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Reds Hall of Famer Pete Rose, who passed away Sept. 30 at the age of 83.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete’s passing,” said Bob Castellini, Reds Principal Owner and Managing Partner. “He was one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen, and every team he played for was better because of him. Pete was a Red through and through. No one loved the game more than Pete and no one loved Pete more than Reds Country. We must never forget what he accomplished.” 

Rose, a 17-time All-Star, is the all-time MLB leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053) and singles (3,215). He won three World Series (1975 & 76 with the Reds, 1980 with the Phillies), three batting titles (1968, ’69 & ’73), one National League Most Valuable Player Award (1973), two Gold Glove Awards (1969, ’70), NL Rookie of the Year Award (1963) and 1975 World Series MVP. In 1999, Rose was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

Rose was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2016 and his iconic #14 was retired the same year. His statue outside Great American Ball Park was dedicated in 2017. 

The post Reds Hall of Famer Pete Rose passes away at 83 appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

0-3 Start for the Bengals

Well, if you start each season 0-2, you’re eventually going to find yourself 0-3. What a let down to begin the season and an embarrassment to the city of Cincinnati. Only 6 teams since 1979 have made the playoffs after starting 0-3 and just one team since 2000. With a tough AFC North, this season is likely over before we even get to October, woof. With a matchup against Andy Dalton upcoming, if the Bengals manage to lose to Carolina, I’m not sure how jobs aren’t lost. Dalton, who I am sure still has hard feelings for how things ended for him in Cincinnati, would love nothing more than to put a dagger to Zac Taylor and his former team. Let’s hope 0-3 doesn’t turn into 0-4.

Negatives from Monday Night Football/Beyond

• 2^nd & 21, 3^rd & 13, 4^th & 4, and this team couldn’t get a stop? The defense was horrific all game, allowing Washington to expose our weaknesses for all four quarters.
• When you let players like Bates and Reader walk, this is what you end up with without good drafting. Ja’Marr, Tee, and Joe can only do much.  
• In 2021 and 2022, Cincinnati drafted Ossai, Carman, Cam Sample, Shelvin, Smith, Trey Hill, Wyatt Hubert, Zach Carter, Cordell Volson, and Jeff Gunter. Want to place blame, look at that. 
• 38 points to the Commanders, no turnovers or punts (first time since 1940 that has happened in a game), giving up 33 minutes in time of possession, and allowing Daniels to go 21/23, I don’t even know what to say.
• Is it time to have a talk about Sam Hubbard? I’ve barely seen his name for a season and a half.  
• Another missed field goal from Evan McPherson. I feel like I am watching a replay each week of the same game. 
• Zac Taylor has to find a way to get Jermaine Burton snaps in this offense. He simply is too fast to not have out there with #1 and #5.  
• Cam Taylor-Britt talked a lot, as he usually does. I love CTB, but he got burned on multiple plays in this one.  
• Out of the half, momentum swinging a little bit Cincinnati’s way, and we do a squib quick? Is that me playing Madden or did that really just happen?  
• Cincinnati failed to capitalize in the red zone, unlike Washington. Washington had 3 touchdowns in the redzone on Monday.  
• Trent Brown got injured and it is likely a bad injury that will sideline him for a long time. Amarius Mims looked like a rookie filling his spot, as he gave us a sack, a few pressures, and a false start.

Positives

• It felt great to watch Tee and Ja’Marr out on the field again. The offense, outside of red zone failures, was pretty solid. Hard to win when your defense can’t get you the ball in your hands. 
• 324 yards, 3 touchdowns, 29/38 for Joe Burrow. What else can you ask for?
• Cincinnati average 6.2 rush yards per carry for 124 yards. This was the best the run game has looked all season.

Corey Dillon joins Matt’s Take

I was kindly joined this week by Bengals legend and new inductee into the Bengals Ring of Honor, Corey Dillon. Corey, as you already know, is one of the greatest running backs in the history of Bengals football. He played from 97-03 with Cincinnati before becoming a Patriot and a Super Bowl Champion. Dillon is a 4X Pro Bowler, holds several franchise records with Cincinnati, and retired with over 11,000 rushing yards (20^th most in NFL History). He set an NFL record that has since been broken, with 278 rush yards in a single game. He is still the Bengals all-time leading rusher, has the top three rush yards ever recorded in a game for Cincinnati, and is more than deserving to be placed in the Ring of Honor in Cincinnati for all of eternity. Corey Dillon, congratulations my friend, you deserve it!

Q: What is your favorite memory during your playing days in Cincinnati?

A: “Running for 278 and getting the first win of the season in Paul Brown Stadium.”

Q: What do you believe has changed from when you played and the game today?

A: “Social media has given players power and a platform to control their own narrative.” 

Q: Do you believe this Bengals team will be in the playoffs this season?

A: “I definitely believe the Bengals will be a playoff team and a threat during the playoffs.”

Q: When you broke Walter Payton’s record for the most rush yards in a game (278), what was going through your mind?

A: “My thoughts on breaking the records was man, I just broke the great Walter Payton’s record, unbelievable. Every time I watch that game, it still gives me chills to this day.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the contract negotiations between Ja’Marr and ownership?

A: “I truly believe Ja’Marr will get what he deserves and soon. He’s one of the best wide receivers in the game today. I’m rooting for the young man.”

Q: If you could add any player to this Bengals roster, who would you choose and why?

A: “I would definitely add myself to this roster, we would be unstoppable on offense (LOL). But seriously, on adding a current player, I would keep it as is and roll with what we already have. I believe they have a team that can go to the Super Bowl.” 

Red Rifle

The Red Rifle, Andrew Gregory Dalton! Man, I thought I would never be able to type those words again. That felt good. Andy Dalton was the quarterback of the Bengals era that I enjoyed from high school and into my mid-twenties. I’ve defended that guy more than the average Bengals fan and I appreciate everything he did both on the field and off the field for the city of Cincinnati. After a horrendous start to the season from Bryce Young, Carolina benched their starter and let Andy take the reigns of the offense, and boy was that fun to watch as a Bengals fan. He absolutely torched the Raiders and assistant coach Marvin Lewis (how wild is that) for 319 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a win over Las Vegas. I’ll never forget the look on his face when they benched him on his birthday and gave him zero time to try and find a new home before the deadline. I love Cincinnati and I’ve always been a Dalton fan as well. I hope to see #14 continue to thrive in Carolina, but just not next week, as the last thing I want to watch is an Andy Dalton revenge game against Cincinnati. Cincinnati, you better not take this game lightly, as I am sure you can imagine how badly Andy wants to dice up Zac Taylor and his former team.  

David Bell gets Fired

David is probably laughing all the way to the bank at this point, as he was fired over the weekend as the Reds manager after just receiving a 3-year extension last season. Of course, I am sure he didn’t want it to end this way, but he managed to get an extension right before the most frustrating season of my lifetime. He will now get paid to not manage this team, while Cincinnati “looks” for a new manager. I can’t tell you with confidence who Cincinnati will choose, but I can certainly promise you that Cincinnati knew who they were choosing before they made this decision. Ignore the news on their national search, as they wouldn’t have fired Bell without a plan in place. Will it be Larkin? Will it be Skip Schumaker? Will it be David Ross or Terry Francona? I have no clue, but I can tell you that it was time for Bell to be dismissed. However, he is the scapegoat for the many poor acquisitions and injuries that this team has went through over his tenure with the Reds. 

No manager was winning with the teams that have been assembled in recent years, but he still wasn’t the right type of manager that this city needs to turn the culture around. The fans are tired of losing and the Castellini family is listening. While I don’t agree with everything they do, the Castellini’s seem to be pointed out more often than I believe they should. Why do very little people point fingers at Krall or Healy? Ownership has spent money each year and you can see that through each off-season. So is the problem with who we have acquired? Akiyama, Moustakas, Candelario, Donovan Solano, Wil Myers, Zach Duke, Hunter Strickland, Sean Doolittle — those names and contracts ring a bell? Maybe it’s bad luck, but maybe the finger pointing at ownership needs to lessen and possibly look at players acquired and those in charge of finding good talent. Of course ownership has a hand in it, but there are people in jobs that scout and decide that each of these players listed above would be good signings. You can point fingers at whoever you’d like, but with Greene, Lodolo, Lowder, Abbott, Burns, Elly, McLain, Marte, and Steer, I’m simply hoping to see a new manager come in who is less monotone, has a feel for the game, and wants to change whatever this culture is in Cincinnati we have around. It is and always will be a baseball town and it’s time for things to change. 

There is no denying that David Bell has a ton of baseball knowledge and has a family history in the game. He contributed as both a player and manager to the sport, and there was no denying that he loved his players. While it was time, I certainly respect the nearly no-win situation he was placed in and how he stood up for the dugout. Good luck in your new endeavors, Skipper!

The post Matt’s Take — 0-3 Start for the Bengals, Corey Dillon joins Matt’s Take, Red Rifle, and David Bell is Fired appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .