My Internet name is Mr. Redlegs, and I'm really not the mascot of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball's first professional franchise. I took this nickname a couple of years ago, before the team re-adopted it as a moniker, because all my other choices were already taken. Who knew the franchise would suddenly get nostalgic?
The team's Mr. Redlegs, or Mr. Red, made his first appearance on a Reds uniform as a sleeve patch in 1955. Over the years we have seen a "human version" appearing at Riverfront Stadium and Great American Ballpark—except for a stretch during Marge Schott's tyrannical reign. Some said Marge got rid of Mr. Red because of cheapness; others believe she did so because unruly fans unhappy with the Reds' losing ways were pelting his noggin' as a protest to the organization.
Either way, Mr. Red returned in 1997 and now there is also a cool-looking Mr. Redlegs mascot roaming the ballpark. Everyone seems to agree: Mr. Redlegs is in vogue.
I blush.
Meanwhile, in real life I am a national-assignment sports writer for a national publication. I'm a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America and Pro Football Writers Association of America, have worked for four big-market newspapers, two magazines and a companion web site, writing long features, sports news events and history, and thematic articles covering mostly professional baseball and football, with some dabbling in college sports.
Most of my work these days is with the NFL, but the Reds and baseball are still at the top of my heart. I grew up in suburban Washington, D.C., as a Senators fan. But I became a 1,000 percent Reds fan when the Senators left for Texas during my high school days. I began studying their history, players and teams, as I continue to do today. I listened to Marty and Joe almost every night via WLW on a pocket radio or my car stereo. I fell asleep with them in my ears many a night.
My dad, who worked for the old Washington Star and led me into journalism, refused to root for the Orioles when the Senators moved. Poor dad. He did not live to see Washington get baseball again. He did begrudge me the 1975-'76 world championships, however.
Anyway, the Reds are truly the only sports team I show any personal passion. I am privileged to have inside access to professional sports, the athletes, and the people who cover the teams. This allows me unique, if not somewhat objective, perspectives and access on the Reds from upclose—yet from a distance of safe overview. I gained my Redlegs chops in great part on professional relationships with many former and current team beat writers, going back to the great Earl Lawson and Bob Hertzel, not to mention many, many Reds players—current and former.
Everyone is entitled to have their own team to follow. Even sports media. Sometimes I will post a diatribe about the Reds on this space. Most times, because of my work and travel schedule, I'll just pollute the fine blogs of other Reds sites.
Either way, this space welcomes all Redlegs fans.
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