What to love about the Cincinnati Reds, even if you don’t like sports

Credit: Joe Robbins

Credit: Joe Robbins

The Cincinnati Reds kicked off their 2017 season on April 3 at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.

For those who enjoy watching the sport but don’t need the nitty gritty details like statistics here are a few reasons to root for the Reds at the Great American Ball Park this summer.

One guy is named Scooter

Second baseman Ryan Gennett, 26, has been called by the nickname Scooter for almost all of his life. When Gennett was 3, he was notorious for unbuckling himself in the car. To teach him a lesson, his mother drove to the Lebanon police station, where he told the officer his name was Scooter, inspired from his favorite Muppet.

“From that day on for a long time they had to call me Scooter because I wouldn’t answer to Ryan,” Gannett said. “I thought if I answered to Ryan, I would get arrested.”

» FULL STORY: Scooter by any other name still a 'gamer'

Credit: Justin Berl

Credit: Justin Berl

Bubble gum as big as your head

Third baseman Eugenio Suarez blows bubbles as big as his head when he’s playing third. He says it helps him relax and has done it for as long as he has played baseball.

“When I was young, eating gum was my favorite thing,” Suarez said. “I’ve always got some in my mouth.”

Suarez chews three to five pieces at a time to create giant bubbles and gets new pieces every two innings.

» MORE INFO: Bubble gum chewing helps Reds third baseman relax

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

More than just peanuts and Cracker Jack

Great American Ball Park boasts more than 40 concession stands and recently released new offerings for the 2017 season. For the first time, Graeter’s will be available, joining Keystone mac and cheese, “Cheetos popcorn” and The Nacho Dog from the stadium’s Porkopolis section.

» PHOTOS: 5 new foods to try at Great American Ball Park

Straight outta Dayton

The Dayton Dragons are a Class-A team that is affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds. Ten players who have been on the Cincinnati Reds roster this season once played at Fifth Third Field.

Name Position Years in Dayton
Amir Garrett Pitcher 3
Michael Lorenzen Pitcher 1
Wandy Peralta Pitcher 1
Robert Stephenson Pitcher 2
Tucker Barnhart Catcher 1
Joey Votto Infielder 4
Zack Cozart Infielder 2
Billy Hamilton Outfielder 1
Phillip Ervin Outfielder 3
Ariel Hernandez Pitcher 1

» EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: Download our apps for real-time alerts on the news you care about

» NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for our email newsletters on the topics you love


About the Author