reds
The Reds unveiled plans for a "season-long party" in '19 as professional baseball's oldest club gets set to celebrate their 150th anniversary, according to David Jablonski of the DAYTON DAILY NEWS. The team "revealed a logo that will be featured throughout the season," and players will "wear commemorative patches on their jerseys and caps." The Reds will also "use 15 different throwback uniforms." There will be 20 "different 150th anniversary benches, designed to mimic dugout benches, placed around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky." The Reds HOF & Museum is also "being redesigned to show off more historical artifacts" (DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 11/6). In Cincinnati, John Fay in a front-page piece notes the Reds' planning has "gone on as far back as a year or two" after Bob Castellini bought the team in '06. There will be a "'Reds Rockin' birthday bash" on July 5, featuring an open house at Great American Ball Park, where "current and former players will make appearances." An 1869 Pavilion will be "added to the southwest corner of the ballpark," which will also be dedicated July 5. The pavilion will be a "tribute to the 1869 team," and is being designed by local artist Tom Tsuchiya, who previously "did the sculptures of Reds players" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 11/6).
FAN FESTIVITIES: Reds President & COO Phil Castellini: "We want any fan who comes to a game in August to still feel like they're part of that 150th season." He added, "How often does any organization get to celebrate its 150th anniversary? So it's a big deal, period. We value our role as stewards of this franchise, so we have to make sure we get that right." In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins notes the Reds will "sell merchandise featuring the 150th anniversary logo in the team shop." Castellini said that "hat, T-shirts and other items" will all be available, and the team is "working on making the throwback jerseys available at some point." Watkins noted PNC Bank is the "presenting sponsor" for the team's "year-long celebration" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/5).
