Reds Caravan stop - my experience

February 1, 2023 at 9:06 p.m.
Reds Caravan stop - my experience
Reds Caravan stop - my experience

By Joey Eckstein-

The Reds Caravan is a tour with different players and people affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds going all over Reds country and meeting fans. The caravan hasn't happened since 2020 due to Covid-19. So, this year is extra special since it has been two years.

Last Tuesday, I attended the Reds Caravan in Batesville at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA. The caravan consists of a few players, media personnel and coaches taking questions from fans and then saving time for a meet and greet with the crowd. There were also opportunities to sign up for the Reds Heads Kids Club, be entered to win Opening Day tickets and buy different things from the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

Reds number 20 prospect and outfielder Austin Hendrick attended; he is expected to play in the big leagues by 2024. Along with this, Reds starting shortstop Jose Barrero attended, he is from Cuba and is still learning English, so his translator sat at the table with him. Two former Reds also attended - catcher Corky Miller and tv/radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley. Miller is now the Reds' minor league catching coordinator and Brantley was a pitcher for the Reds in the 1990s.  Reds manager and former major leaguer David Bell also attended. Brian Giesenschlag, a co-host on Reds Live and Blue Jackets Live on Bally Sports Ohio, was also on the panel. Finally, Reds mascot Rosie Red attended and was a fan favorite among both adults and kids.

I asked them what their favorite baseball movie was during the Q&A portion of the event. Barrero said “Field of Dreams” and Hendrick said “Moneyball.” Brantley said, “A League of Their Own.” Miller also said, “A League of Their Own” along with “Bull Durham” and “The Natural.” Bell also had the answer of “The Natural.” Giesenschlag told me this was a good question.

After the Q&A I got in line for the meet and greet. Everyone was so nice. I asked Barrero if he would take a selfie with me, and he said yes. I was talking to Miller about pitching and he asked me if I threw a curve ball; this led to me showing him how I throw a curveball and a slider. I also was talking to Giesenschlag about getting into broadcasting and he gave me some tips and advice.

The Reds are set to start spring training in about a month and open their season on March 30 when they play the Pittsburgh Pirates at home.

The Reds Caravan is a tour with different players and people affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds going all over Reds country and meeting fans. The caravan hasn't happened since 2020 due to Covid-19. So, this year is extra special since it has been two years.

Last Tuesday, I attended the Reds Caravan in Batesville at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA. The caravan consists of a few players, media personnel and coaches taking questions from fans and then saving time for a meet and greet with the crowd. There were also opportunities to sign up for the Reds Heads Kids Club, be entered to win Opening Day tickets and buy different things from the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

Reds number 20 prospect and outfielder Austin Hendrick attended; he is expected to play in the big leagues by 2024. Along with this, Reds starting shortstop Jose Barrero attended, he is from Cuba and is still learning English, so his translator sat at the table with him. Two former Reds also attended - catcher Corky Miller and tv/radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley. Miller is now the Reds' minor league catching coordinator and Brantley was a pitcher for the Reds in the 1990s.  Reds manager and former major leaguer David Bell also attended. Brian Giesenschlag, a co-host on Reds Live and Blue Jackets Live on Bally Sports Ohio, was also on the panel. Finally, Reds mascot Rosie Red attended and was a fan favorite among both adults and kids.

I asked them what their favorite baseball movie was during the Q&A portion of the event. Barrero said “Field of Dreams” and Hendrick said “Moneyball.” Brantley said, “A League of Their Own.” Miller also said, “A League of Their Own” along with “Bull Durham” and “The Natural.” Bell also had the answer of “The Natural.” Giesenschlag told me this was a good question.

After the Q&A I got in line for the meet and greet. Everyone was so nice. I asked Barrero if he would take a selfie with me, and he said yes. I was talking to Miller about pitching and he asked me if I threw a curve ball; this led to me showing him how I throw a curveball and a slider. I also was talking to Giesenschlag about getting into broadcasting and he gave me some tips and advice.

The Reds are set to start spring training in about a month and open their season on March 30 when they play the Pittsburgh Pirates at home.

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