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Home , 1975 World Series, 1990 World Series, Bernie Carbo, Billy Bates (baseball), Bob Castellini, Boston Reds (1890–91)

Press Clippings December 7, 2012

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

On Ludwick’s decision By John Fay | 12/6/2012 4:32 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — is apparently deciding something that you and I will never have to decide: Whether it’s wise to turn down an extra million bucks or so to play for the Reds.

Ludwick has a two-year offer from the Reds believed to be in the $13 to $14 million range. Other teams are offering more. I don’t know which teams they are. But, money aside, the Reds have a lot to offer Ludwick. The team won 97 games last year and looks like it will be a strong contender again in 2013.

Ludwick revived his career with Reds. He .275/.346/.531 after hitting .237/.310/.363 and .251/.325/.418 in the two previous years. Playing half his games at had something to do with that.

GABP helped Ludwick rediscover his opposite-field stroke.

I thought Ludwick’s deal was about done a couple of days ago. Then teams started throwing around money like bales of hay. Angel Pagan hit .288/.338/.440 this year and got $40 million over four years.

So I can see Ludwick wanting to cash in.

Some people may see him leaving as an act of disloyalty. But that’s how works. Ludwick knows firsthand that teams will cut you loose in a second if it makes business sense. He was traded at the deadline in 2010 and ’11.

I hope Ludwick’s back. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever dealt with — friendly, funny, cooperative — but I won’t be surprised if he’s not.

Reds leave meetings without making move By John Fay | 12/6/2012 10:49 AM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — left the without getting anything done.

The team passed in the major league phase of the . The Ryan Ludwick offer remains in Ludwick’s hands. And nothing is close on the trade front.

No games are won at Winter Meetings, but Jocketty admitted he was disappointed not to be able to improve the club this week.

“You come in with great anticipation and optimism on certain things,” he said. “Then they don’t work . It’s a disappointing. But I’m certainly not through try to improve the club.

“It was an odd Winter Meetings. Very odd. There wasn’t a lot of discussions. Teams are waiting on free agents and working on these multi-team deals. It slowed things down.”

Jocketty said the Reds were not approached about the four-team deal that has been talked about. One of the players often mentioned in the deal, Arizona’s , would be a fit for the Reds.

The Reds don’t even have anything that is close on the trade front.

“We’ve had some talks with clubs,” he said. “We’ll stay in touch. I don’t think anything is imminent.”

No progress was made last night.

“Very slow evening,” he said.

The Reds offer to Ludwick remains on the table.

“(Assistant general ) Bob Miller spoke to (Ludwick’s) agent this morning,” Jocketty said. “The agent said he spoke to Ryan last night and he’s still contemplating the offer.”

The offer is for two years.

“Two years is not a problem,” Jocketty said.

Money is the issue. I believe the offer is in the $13 to $14 million range. Money is issue. While the meeting have been slow in general, some big money has been tossed around. Angel Pagan got $40 million over four years. got $38 million for three years.

“I think (the big contracts are) affecting a lot of things,” Jocketty said.

Marty's favorite Reds' moments And this one belongs to the Reds... By John Kiesewetter | 12/4/2012

For the first time at Redsfest, long-time Reds voice will take the main stage for a "bull session" with former Reds greats. "That's something I'm looking forward to. I relate to those guys. Some of my closest friends are former players like and ," Brennaman says. Chances are good that the talk about the old days will include some of Marty's memories about his favorite playoff games involving the Big Machine and the 1990 wire-to-wire World Champions. Marty Brennaman has called more than 6,300 Reds game in his 39-year career, including some of the 's 1975 games for NBC. Here are his favorite Reds' post-season memories:

1975 World Series Game Six in

1975 World Series Game Six in Boston: Red Sox hits a walk-off home in the 12th to tie series 3-3.

My favorite has to be in Boston, in its entirety. That is arguably the greatest baseball game ever played.

I was there (for NBC Sports), but not doing anything. In those days, the home team announcer was part of the NBC telecast in the home city. I was in another booth.

When the Reds took a 6-3 lead in the top of the eighth, they (NBC) said, "Go downstairs to the clubhouse for the post-game celebration."

So I sat there in the Reds clubhouse watching a black-and-white TV on a folding chair. I saw hit the 3-run (on TV) to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth. I never went back upstairs.

When people ask me how exciting it was to be in the ball park, I say, "It was no more exciting than you sitting at home watching the game on TV."

There were so many great moments in that game: 's catch in the ninth in left field, and then throwing out at the plate. And made a great catch in right field in the eleventh to rob Joe Morgan of a home run.

1975 World Series in Boston

1975 World Series Game Seven in Boston: Reds win 4-3 for first since 1940.

I'll never forget the home run Tony Perez hit in off Bill Lee in the sixth inning. The Red Sox were up 3-0, and appeared to be on their way to winning the series. Bill Lee threw him one of those "Eephus" pitches, or blooper pitch, and Tony hit it about seven blocks.

They still haven't found that baby yet.

Ken Griffey scored the game-winning run in the top of the ninth when (Joe) Morgan singled.

1976 NL Championship Series Game Three

1976 Championship Series Game Three at : Reds score three in bottom of ninth to sweep Phillies.

Johnny Bench and George Foster hit back-to-back home runs off to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth. Then Ken Griffey hits a big high bouncer over the head of playing first, and Davey Concepcion scores from third with the winning run.

The two home runs were a microcosm of what that team was all about. Nobody would go anywhere (leave early) because what that team was capable of.

Philadelphia was in complete control of that game. And they were struck dumb by those two home runs!

1976 World Series Game Two

1976 World Series Game Two, Riverfront Stadium: Reds beat Yankees 4-3 in a walk-off win.

It was the first in World Series history, and (Commissioner) refused to put on an overcoat. It was the single coldest night I've ever spent in the ball park, and I spent a lot of nights in that ball park!

Catfish Hunter pitched a . Perez gets a base hit in the ninth to be beat him. () Fred Stanely threw the ball away on a routine ground ball by Ken Griffey. He walks Morgan, and then Perez singles him in.

Hunter went the distance. The Yankees had Sparky Lyle and others (relievers) down there (in the ) and didn’t use them.

1976 World Series Game Four

1976 World Series Game Four, : Reds win 7-2 to sweep Yankees for a second consecutive World Championship.

Johnny Bench hit two home runs in Game Four, and after the game (manager) created a controversy by saying it was unfair to mention Johnny Bench and (Yankees catcher) Thurman Munson in the same breath, and (Yankees manager) lost his mind!

Sparky didn't really mean anything by it, other than he was trying to support his player. Bench had more power. Thurman Munson was a better hitter (.529 in the series). But Bench was the better catcher.

Johnny Bench had the greatest flair for the dramatic, more than any player I've ever seen. If you needed something, he delivered.

1990 NL Championship Series Game Four

1990 National League Championship Series Game Four, : Reds beat Pirates 5-3.

The throw the made to get at third base was one of the greatest plays I've ever seen. The Reds were down 4-3 in the eighth after a home run. was playing center field, and Eric was in left.

Bonilla hit a ball off the wall in deep left-center field. Billy tried to catch it and couldn’t do it, and Davis ran over and got the ball. … He threw a laser to (Chris) Sabo at third base, and Bonilla was absolutely stunned. Davis never made a better throw in his life. It was perfect.

1990 World Series Game One

1990 World Series Game One, Riverfront Stadium: Reds beat Oakland A’s 7-0.

Eric Davis hit one into the green seats in center field in the first inning off (for a 2-0 lead). You can’t hit it much farther than that!

Dave Stewart was the best in baseball that year. The As were shocked. They were talking about the As being the next under Mr. Baseball (manager Tony LaRussa).

The Davis home run was electric. The crowd was in a frenzy. That set the tone for the series (swept by the Reds).

1990 World Series Game Two

1990 World Series Game Two, Riverfront Stadium: delivers a game-winning single in the tenth.

When the Reds tied it up in the eighth, they called up from the to the press box, because there was no direct line to the broadcast booth. So someone from the press box comes over and says, "They want you to put out a plea on the radio for pitcher to come back to the ball park!"

And I said, "You’ve got to be crazy!"

Debbie Browning had gone into labor during the game. Tom (scheduled Game Three starter) had left the stadium to go to the hospital. But with the game tied up, (manager) thought he might need Browning to pitch. They didn’t know what hospital Debbie went to. Lou said, "Call Marty."...

We found out later that Browning was in the (hospital) waiting room. They were about to deliver the baby, when a doctor came out and told Browning he had heard on the radio they wanted him to come back to the ball park. So he got in his car and started driving to Riverfront Stadium.

When scored in the tenth, he turned around and went back to the hospital.

It was one of the most bizarre moments I'd ever been involved in. Today that wouldn't happen. You'd call him on the cell phone.

Reds clinch 2010 Central Division

Reds clinch 2010 Central Division at Great American Ball Park: hits a walk-off home run.

I know this isn't a playoff game, but that was one of the greatest games I ever did as a broadcaster. To me, that was as thrilling of a home run that I can ever remember. … Jay hit it off 's .

Just everything about it: It was a walk-off home run. It was a home run that put the Reds in the post-season for the first time in 15 years. That game is always going to stand out in my mind.

The Morning Line, 12/6 (Sweeney edition) [Excerpt taken from The Morning Line, 12/6] By nhurm | 12/6/2012 9:28 AM ET

To be honest, the Reds are the only sports-related thing I get excited about anymore. I’m still mourning Reds playoff loss. I was at NL Central clinch game and I was at Game 5 when they were eliminated. Game 5 might have been the best sports atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of, especially the Jay Bruce at bat in the 9th. It was amazing how silent the stadium was after Rolen struck out. That’s my lasting memory of the season: 45K people standing in complete silence. Nothing has filled my sports void since then.

The good news is that Redsfest is this weekend, which is the unofficial start of the 2013 season. If you’re a Reds fan and you haven’t been, you should definitely check it out. I took my then-four-year-old daughter last year and it was a great event. She was too young to really appreciate what was going on and weaving your way through a crowd with a toddler isn’t my idea of fun. However, we got Jay Bruce (her favorite Red) to autograph her hat and got our picture taken with and so it was well worth the trip.

I’ve filled in for Paul three times and each time I manage to work in a Todd Benzinger reference. I’m not sure why, but Todd Benzinger is my favorite obscure Red. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet, but I’ve debated buying a Benzinger 1990 World Series throwback jersey for years. If you ever seen someone wearing one at a game, it’s probably me. Or Todd Benzinger.

MLB.COM

Reds leave Meetings with unfinished business Club awaits Ludwick's decision regarding two-year deal; leadoff search continues By Mark Sheldon | 12/6/2012 12:15 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Reds had designs this week on making headway on the search for a new leadoff hitter and hoped to re-sign free-agent Ryan Ludwick.

Neither got done during the Winter Meetings.

While Reds general manager Walt Jocketty got nowhere with the leadoff hitter, Ludwick's addition remains very realistic. A two-year offer is on the table.

"The agent said he spoke to Ryan last night, and he's still contemplating some things I guess," Jocketty said before departing Nashville on Thursday. "Two years is not a problem. It's not the issue."

The issue is money, which a lot of teams threw around this week on the second-tier free agents. Two were signed to large deals -- Angel Pagan, who signed for four years at $40 million with the Giants, and Shane Victorino, who went to Boston in a reported three-year, $39 million deal.

Infielder , long a utility man and a former Red, got his first multiyear contract by agreeing to a three-year, $12 million deal with the White Sox.

The high prices have added complications for the Reds in getting a deal done with Ludwick.

"It's affecting a lot of things," Jocketty said.

This is the fourth straight year the Reds left the Winter Meetings without Jocketty ever having to step to the media-room podium to discuss a deal. In past years, talks toward a deal gained momentum during the Meetings and wrapped shortly after. Cincinnati made the trades for and later in December last year.

"We've had some talks with clubs that really haven't gone anywhere this week," Jocketty said. "We'll stay in touch, but I don't think anything is imminent."

Here's a look at the week that was for the Reds at the Winter Meetings:

Deals done: None

Rule 5 activity: None in the Major League phase, and no unprotected players were lost. In the -A phase, the Reds added shortstop Michael Gilmartin from the Athletics and left-handed pitcher from the Royals. They lost Marquez Smith to the Rangers.

Goals accomplished: There was early momentum in talks for the Reds at the onset of the Meetings, but the club did not get as serious as it hoped on potential deals. The lack of trades made league-wide was surprising to those in the Reds' suite.

Unfinished business: A good amount. Besides trying to lock up a deal with Ludwick, the Reds still want someone for the leadoff spot and need bench help with a backup infielder. There were talks with utility player , who is being courted by several clubs in need of a third baseman.

GM's bottom line: "We came here with great anticipation and optimism on doing certain things. When they don't work out, it's a little disappointing. But we're certainly not through with trying to improve the club. This was such an odd Winter Meetings, very odd. There weren't a lot of trade discussions. I think the free agents and clubs trying to make these multiteam deals slowed things down." -- Jocketty

MLB auction raises more than $150K for SU2C By Mark Newman | 12/7/2012 9:06 AM ET

Hunter Pence never had to give an inspirational and wild-eyed speech this time. All he had to do was invite someone to have breakfast with him and help end cancer.

After leading his team to the World Series title, the Giants' was leading the way again in as the clock struck midnight on Friday morning. Breakfast with drew one of the highest prices and among the most bids in a special MLB.com Auction during the Winter Meetings that raised $152,700 for Stand Up To Cancer.

"Thanks to the fans, MLB and Stand Up To Cancer for your contributions," Pence said in a text late Thursday, as bidders jockeyed for the coolest breakfast anywhere. "This is a wonderful way to make an impact and thank you all for making it possible."

The auction's success and creative energy was created through a collaboration by all 30 Major League club public-relations directors and their staffs -- individuals who have had enough of cancer diagnoses among co- workers and friends through the years. The auction kicked off with a news conference Monday at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., with all the PR staffers in attendance standing up with MLB and SU2C personnel in a show of solidarity against the disease.

The flurry of last-minute bidding saw Pence's breakfast suddenly passed for most overall bids and highest price obtained. The most bids went to the Padres' contribution of a private baserunning lesson from their coach Dave Roberts -- a cancer survivor himself. The top sale listing was the Yankees' PR internship for a day, commanding $8,125.

"It is incredible to know so much money has been raised for Stand Up To Cancer through this auction," said public relations director Monica Barlow, whose own battle with lung cancer was one of the reasons club PR departments were inspired to create the auction. "The only way we will be able to reduce cancer mortality rates is through funding for research that organizations like SU2C provide. I am a living example of the impact newly developed drugs can have, and as a member of MLB's PR family I am truly grateful for each team's generosity and eagerness to participate in this initiative."

Barlow's Orioles contributed one of the most bid-on items: A chance to ride on the team bus to for an Interleague game next season. And speaking of the Nationals, they drew more than $5,000 for a chance to actually be in their war room when general manager and the club make their first-round pick on June 6 in the First-Year Player Draft.

Pence was among the many Giants and Tigers players who joined at the top of the dugouts during the World Series Game 1 live stadium event at AT&T Park, as everyone stood and held SU2C placards with names of people who have been affected by cancer. It was easy to imagine players being among those eagerly behind this auction effort, easy to imagine fans getting behind the effort, and indeed they were from start to finish.

If you missed out on that meet-and-greet package, then the good news is, there are other Trout items to bid on now that this auction has closed. There is a simple autographed batting helmet as well as one he signed with the inscription "2012 AL ROY."

Someone now looks forward to a 30-minute guitar lesson from Reds pitcher . One lucky bidder now gets a private tour of the Rockies' clubhouse by .

Meet-and-greets or unique experiences were donated by current or former All-Stars galore. Now that we know David Wright is staying in New York as a member of the Mets, there is a good chance that the winning bidder of a Mets experience will get to know him next season. One of the most-bid-on items was a chance to take batting practice with the Mets in the indoor batting cage at , after which the winner gets to meet numerous players like Wright, watch regular BP from the field, get four tickets to the game and a message on the Citi Field scoreboard.

The event at MLB.com/SU2CAuction included participation via meet-and-greet and/or autographed items from 16 Hall of Famers: Aaron, Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven, , , Carlton Fisk, Al Kaline, , Juan Marichal, , , Willie McCovey, Tony Perez, , and . Someone even won a meet-and-great with Hall of Fame announcer of the Dodgers.

You can still help by donating at SU2C.org. One in every two men and one in every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, as things stand now.

"I can't believe the creativity that went into these," SU2C co-founder Sue Schwartz said. "This just takes my breath away, all the support of the PR staffs and the individual teams. MLB has been enormously supportive of Stand Up To Cancer since day one, not only financially, but from a marketing perspective, and to see the teams come through like this and see the PR people pull all these amazing experiences together is just awe- inspiring. This means Stand Up To Cancer has really penetrated the whole ethos of MLB, and we are so grateful."

MLB was a founding sponsor of Stand Up To Cancer in 2008, with Commissioner and wife Sue Selig leading the way in financial and awareness support. Eight dream teams of scientists have been organized as one of the results, and Schwartz said the auction had "the added benefit of contributing to the critically needed research that has to be done to make cancer a disease people can live with instead of die from."

DAYTON DAILY NEWS

THINGS TO DO Redsfest offers a lot of varied activities You can play Hold ’Em with the players. By Aaron Epple | 12/5/2012 12:00 AM ET

Once again in December, the floor of the Duke Convention Center will be transformed into a sea of white and red.

Redsfest is a celebration of everything and anything to do with baseball and the . For kids, there are batting cages and timed pitching and baserunning. Adult fans will enjoy participating in the indoor home-run derby while browsing Reds jerseys, memorabilia and other merchandise. For adults and kids, there’s autograph and photo sessions with virtually the entire roster.

Redsfest has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

“In the beginning, it was more of a baseball card show with maybe a couple of players,” said Michael Anderson, public relations manager for the Cincinnati Reds. “Then there was actually a break for a couple of years. Then in 2006, the Castellini family really re-energized it.”

One of the biggest highlights is a Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament to be held in a ballroom on the Convention Center’s third floor. Each table will feature one Reds player, coach or celebrity. Any player who knocks out a Red will literally get the jersey off his back, after he signs it.

Anderson said enthusiasm for Redsfest might be heightened this year due to the Reds postseason appearance just two months ago.

“We’ve sold more advance tickets than ever before,” he said.

The largest new feature this year is an expanded kids’ fun zone on the third floor, which will include interactive games, inflatables, live music, a stage for players to interact with the fans, and Santa Claus. Anderson said one of the most popular kid-oriented attractions is the kids-only press conference, where kids get to line up and ask questions to their favorite players.

Proceeds for Redfest, as always, will go to the Reds Community Fund, a baseball-themed outreach program for disadvantaged children. There will also be a special booth set up for Hurricane Sandy relief. Reds infielder is a New Jersey native, and he has set up his own charities for his hometown church and Little League. Patrons can help out by donating at this booth.

Players available for autographs include , , , , Zach Cozart, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo and others.

If you happen to miss getting an autograph from Arroyo, you can always catch him onstage with his guitar as part of the live music lineup.

“He cut his teeth in the music scene in the mid-1990s,” Anderson said. “So it’s a lot of Pearl Jam-like, post- grunge rock.”

Although player, coach and alumni participation to Redsfest is impressive, there are some exceptions. For instance, Todd Frazier will only be there Friday, as he is getting married the following weekend, while slugging Jay Bruce won’t be there at all, as he just got married and is currently on his honeymoon.

“They do have personal lives,” Anderson noted.

HOW TO GO

What: Redsfest

Where: Duke Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati

When: 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Cost: $17-$25 (adults), $7-$12 (children), free for children 3 and younger

More info: (513) 765-7000 or www.reds.com

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM

Do Bonds, Clemens belong in Hall? By Hal McCoy | 12/6/2012

The familiar brown, business-size envelope was in the mailbox this week with the normal pile of bills, catalogs and a sprinkling of Christmas cards.

It was the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.

Never in my nearly 35 years as a qualified voter has the ballot arrived stuffed with controversy, so much so that the envelope was hot.

It is gut-check time for voters.

Among the 37 names on the ballot are at least three strongly associated with performance-enhancing drugs — , and , all appearing for the first time.

Also on the ballot for the seventh time is Mark McGwire and the baseball writers have taken a noteworthy stance on him on past ballots — a firm and strong no.

Without the PED stigma, Bonds and Clemens have the pedigree and statistical accomplishments that normally gain a player quick induction into the Hall of Fame. Sosa is like McGwire. Borderline.

Normally. These are not normal times.

Legendary manager and Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda was in Dayton last week, and I shared the stage with him for a Fireside Chat for the Heart Institute of Dayton.

I asked him, in front of a crowd of 400, “Tommy, should I vote for anybody associated with PEDs?”

His answer was quick and to the point.

“I don’t want to tell you how to vote, but if I’m voting, I don’t vote for those guys. They cheated. They are cheaters. And they don’t belong in the Hall of Fame.

I told him I agreed with him and my mind was made up even before I asked the questions.

I haven’t voted for McGwire, and I won’t vote for Bonds, Clemens or Sosa.

And Lasorda’s word(s) hit home hard. Cheat. Cheaters.

They cheated to gain unfair advantage, particularly later in their careers when their Hall of Fame credentials already had been established. What is so sad about the entire controversy is that none of the three needed an unfair advantage. All three were talented enough to perform well enough to make the Hall of Fame without using PEDs.

It was enlightening to hear on the MLB Network that several Hall of Famers said they are considering boycotting the 2013 Cooperstown induction ceremonies if any of the Titanic Trio is elected.

A large absentee list would make a mockery of the ceremonies, a potential unfortunate occurrence because Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, NY, is the best weekend in baseball.

A possible boycott, of course, won’t (or shouldn’t) sway voters one way or another as to whether to vote for Bonds, Clemens and Sosa.

Fans often ask about Gaylord Perry, a Hall of Famer who is an admitted cheater, a guy who wrote a book entitled, “Me and the Spitter,” a tell-all on how he used loaded up with illegal substances to get batters out.

Is there any difference between applying illegal substances to baseball than applying illegal substances on your body (or in it)? Yeah, there is a big difference, but both are cheating.

My answer? I didn’t vote for Perry.

And when I send in my ballot in the next couple of days, there will be no ‘X’ in the boxes next to Bonds, Clemens and Sosa.

There are 37 names on the ballot and electors are permitted to for as many as 10. They don’t have to vote for 10. They can vote for or one or two or as many as they want, up to 10. Or they can vote for none (but a ballot with no votes counts as one vote against everybody on the ballot).

I’ve never voted for as many as 10. Depending on the ballot I usually vote for three, four or five.

Other that knowing I won’t vote for the Troubled Trio, I haven’t finalized my ballot.

In the past, I’ve voted for , and Edgar Martinez, so I’ll stick with those three. And after more study, maybe two or three more — none named Barry, Roger or Sammy.

ESPN.COM

Where does Revere trade leave Bourn? (Excerpt) By David Schoenfield | 12/6/2012 3:15 PM ET

The filled their hole in center field by acquiring from the for right-hander and pitching prospect Trevor May -- Keith Law breaks down the deal here -- which leaves Michael Bourn still spinning on the center-field merry-go-round.

With Bourn's asking price reportedly higher than the $75 million B.J. Upton received from the Braves, where does this leave him? If there's a declining market for his services, does he end up signing for less than Upton money? Let's look at possible destinations:

2. Reds: The Reds still have and are also looking to fill left field (maybe bringing back Ryan Ludwick). Bourn makes sense for them because they need a leadoff hitter, but the $75 million price tag would still be steep. I see the Reds getting in this only if the market for Bourn collapses.

KYPOST.COM

A guide to Redsfest 2012 12/7/2012

CINCINNATI - From the conclusion of the World Series in late October to the beginning of in mid-February, baseball fans are typically left with a feeling longing for the American pastime.

However, for two days this late fall season, baseball junkies in the Queen City will have something to celebrate.

From Friday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 8, the legion of Redlegs followers will converge upon Duke Energy Center downtown to partake in Redsfest, a celebration of all things Cincinnati Reds.

Redsfest, which began as little more than a card and memorabilia show for collectors, has been transformed in recent years into an all-inclusive baseball experience that panders to audiences ranging from hardcore baseball fans to young families.

Featuring activities such as batting cages, running the bases and timed pitching games, Redsfest has turned itself into a family-friendly event that still offers memorabilia and merchandise shows, as well as photo ops and autograph sessions with Reds personalities that accommodates more enthusiastic Reds fans.

Reds fans of all ages will have fun celebrating the 2012 season with many of the players who helped make the season so memorable. , Todd Frazier, Joey Votto, , Brandon Phillips, Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos and Mr. 105 himself, Aroldis Chapman will be in attendance during the weekend event.

That group of core Reds players will be joined by more than 60 other current, former and future Reds players, coaches and broadcasters.

Given the Reds success this season, finishing with a 97 wins and an NL Central Division title during the 2012, many predict this Redsfest to be the biggest (in terms of size and attendance) in history.

This ticketed event, which runs from Friday at 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., should be quite the festival of baseball.

Proceeds from the Reds- and MLB-sanctioned portions of Redsfest will go to charity. In addition to the Reds Community Fund, a baseball-centered program that reaches out to disadvantaged children in the Greater Cincinnati area, a special booth has been set up for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Reds infielder Todd Frazier, a New Jersey native, has set up his own charity to benefit his hometown church and the Toms River Little League. Patrons can make direct contributions at that booth.

9 News and WCPO.com have put together a list of happenings that should ensure you make the most of this encounter with the Boys of Summer this yuletide season.

The who, what, where, when and whys of Redsfest

Where: Duke Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati

When: 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Cost: Two-day tickets are $25 for adults; $12 for kids (12 and younger); Single-day tickets are $17 for adults; $7 for kid; Children 3 and under are admitted free. AAA members will receive at $4 discount on admission.

More info: (513) 765-7000 or www.reds.com

Freebies: The first 10,000 fans each day will receive a free Reds winter headband and drawstring backpack. Fans who purchase two-day passes will receive a free View Level ticket to the Reds-Angels Opening Night game April 3.

Kids-only events: The “Reds Heads Fun Zone,” which is moving to the third floor of the Duke Energy Center, will feature batting cages, timed pitching and running the bases. The fun zone will also include interactive games, inflatable attractions, live music, a stage for players to interact with the fans and a kids-only press conference. The press conference (6:30 p.m. Friday) will allow kids get to line up and ask questions to their favorite Reds players.

There’s also a rumor that Santa Claus could make an appearance.

Adult events : There will be an indoor home-run derby, Reds and baseball merchandize for purchase and historical Reds jerseys and other memorabilia.

There will also be a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament held in the third-floor ballroom. Each table will feature one Reds player, coach or celebrity who will literally give you the shirt off his back if you manage to knock him out of the tournament.

Registration and side games start at 3 p.m. before the dealing of the Texas Hold ’Em event at 4 p.m. Spectator tickets will be $45 and include food and two drink tickets.

Players available for autographs include: Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Aroldis Chapman, Zach Cozart, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo, , J.J. Hoover, , Sam LeCure, Sean Marshall, , and Drew Stubbs.

Joey Votto and Todd Frazier will only make scheduled appearances Friday. Frazier’s schedule will be limited because of his upcoming wedding.

Reds manager will also be available for autograph.

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce will not be in attendance because he is currently on his honeymoon.

Other Reds notables available for autographs: Notable Reds alumni who will be in attendance include Eric Davis, Joe Morgan, , Jack Billingham,

Leo Cardenas, , , , Jim O’Toole and . There are scheduled to be 20 former Reds players available for autographs over the course of the weekend.

Minor League players who will be available for autograph include Billy Hamilton, , and .

To view the full list of confirmed attendees, visit the Redsfest website at reds.com/redsfest . Specific times for player appearances will be announced 30 minutes prior to their sessions and via Twitter ( @Reds ).

Note: Autograph and photograph sessions are free with a Redsfest general admission ticket

Photo Ops: The 1975, 1976 and 1990 World Series trophies will be on display along with other artifacts in an expanded Reds Hall of Fame & Museum section on the main floor of Duke Energy Center .

Main stage events: All current and former players will be introduced on the main stage at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Reds President and CEO will speak at 5:57 p.m.

Other highlights:

Friday: The kids-only press conference starts (6:30 p.m.), the team awards (7:30 p.m.), a “” discussion (8:10 p.m.) and the Live Wax concert (9:15 p.m.).

Saturday: Marty Brennaman will chat with former players (12:30 p.m.) and there will be a special concert by Bronson Arroyo to close out Redsfest (5:15 p.m.).

For a full list of schedule events, go to reds.com/redsfest .

NATIONAL POST

Joey Votto honoured as top Canadian player By John Lott | 12/5/2012 2:58 PM ET

Joey Votto started 2012 by signing a contract that will pay him handsomely until he’s 40. He finished by winning the Tip O’Neill Award as Canada’s top baseball player. And he plans to start 2013 by representing Canada in the .

The Cincinnati Reds’ , who hails from the suburb of Etobicoke, was honoured by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame as the Canadian player “judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball’s highest ideals.”

Votto also won the award in 2010 and shared it with ’ last year.

Despite missing seven weeks with a knee injury, Votto helped boost the Reds to the playoffs by batting .337 with 14 homers and a .474 on-base percentage. He also tied for the National League Lead in walks with 94.

Votto signed a 10-year, US $225-million contract in April.

TRANSACTIONS

Thursday's Sports Transactions By The Associated Press December 6, 2012

Major League Baseball

American League

BOSTON RED SOX: Acquired RHP Kyle Kaminska from to complete an earlier trade and assigned him to Pawtucket (IL). Agreed to terms with RHP Koji Uehara.

DETROIT TIGERS: Acquired 2B Jeff Kobernus from for INF-OF Justin Henry.

MINNESOTA TWINS: Acquired RHP Vance Worley and RHP Trevor May from Philadelphia for OF Ben Revere. Agreed to terms with RHP on a two-year contract.

SEATTLE MARINERS: Named Darrin Garner manager for the Mariners (Arizona), James Horner manager for High Desert (Cal) and Chris Prieto manager for Pulaski (Appalachian).

TAMPA BAY RAYS: Agreed to terms with 1B James Loney on a one-year contract.

TEXAS RANGERS: Sent RHP Wilfredo Boscan to San Diego to complete an earlier trade. Agreed to terms with 1B-DH , RHP Jake Brigham, RHP and RHP Randy Wells on minor league contracts

National League

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: Agreed to terms with C Wil Nieves and INF-OF Eric Hinske on one-year contracts.

ATLANTA BRAVES: Agreed to terms with OF Reed Johnson on a one-year contract.

NEW YORK METS: Traded LHP Kyle Lobstein to Detroit for cash.