Cincinnati Reds Gear Up For Season!
For Walt Jocketty, the Reds Caravan means facing a lot of amateur general managers who think they can do a better job of running the franchi...
For Walt Jocketty, the Reds Caravan means facing a lot of amateur general managers who think they can do a better job of running the franchise.
But Jocketty still enjoys the event.
“It’s good to get out and meet the fans,” he said. “We have a lot of great Cincinnati Reds fans out there. The questions usually aren’t too tough.”
The Caravan is the Reds’ chance to sell the team to people in the outlying areas.
This year’s version will make 14 fan stops and cover more than 2,600 miles. It kicks off Thursday and ends Sunday.
The Caravan is divided into three legs – the Northern, Southern and Western tours.
Two tickets to the April 5 Opening Day game against St. Louis Cardinals will be raffled at each stop.
Broadcasters Marty Brennaman and Chris Welsh, assistant GM Bob Miller, second baseman Brandon Phillips, Glenn Braggs from the 1990 world championship team and shortstop prospect Zack Cozart will be on the Northern Tour.
The crew for the Western Tour includes broadcaster Thom Brennaman, chief operating officer Phil Castellini, Jocketty, Todd Benzinger, the manager of the Dayton Dragons and a member of the 1990 team, right fielder Jay Bruce and top prospect Todd Frazier. Third baseman Scott Rolen will appear at the Bloomington, Ind., stop.
Broadcasters Jeff Brantley and Jim Kelch, manager Dusty Baker, shortstop Paul Janish (Thursday and Friday only), infielder Adam Rosales (Saturday and Sunday only), Eric Davis from the 1990 team, outfield prospect Chris Heisey and special assistant Gene Bennett will be on the Southern Tour.
“We had a good time last year,” Jocketty said. “The fans really enjoy seeing our players.”
Additional Facts
Tour stops
WESTERN TOUR
•5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Louisville Slugger Museum, 800 W. Main St., Louisville, Ky.
•1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, College Mall, 289 4 E. Third St., Bloomington, Ind.
•5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Castleton Square Mall, 6020 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis
•10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Stoops Automotive, 4055 W. Clara Lane, Muncie, Ind.
•3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, National Museum of the USAF, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton
•11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Millett Hall, 500 E. Sycamore St., Oxford
NORTHERN TOUR
•5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Parkersburg Grand Central Mall, 100 Grand Central Mall, Vienna, W.Va.
•6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens, Ohio
•5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Lima Mall, 2400 Elida Road, Lima, Ohio
•11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus
SOUTHERN TOUR
•2:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Charleston Towne Center, 3000 Charleston Towne Center, Charleston, W.Va.
•5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Huntington Mall, I-64 and Mall Road, Huntington, W.Va.
•11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Great American Ball Park (select-a-seat event for prospective season ticket-holders)
•11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholsville Road Suite 303, Lexington, Ky.
