Question: Who gets to choose the music and set the volume in the clubhouse? — Dave from Beavercreek, Centerville, and Miamisburg.
A: The music in Cincinnati is chosen by the starting pitcher for the day, so it might be rock n’ roll, salsa, country, rap, or rock n’ roll. It also has the potential to be loud, which is typically the case. Chris Sabo would blast the University of Michigan fight song, “Hail To The Victors,” on Sunday mornings before the starting pitcher showed there. But unlike some of his teammates, he did not march around the room, high-stepping like a drum major.
JEFF, Union: What is the most pitches a player has ever seen in an MLB at-bat?
A: Luke Maile’s 13-pitch at-bat from last week, in which he fouled eight pitches before striking out, undoubtedly served as the impetus for this query. Brandon Belt of San Francisco is the winner; the data only extends back to 1988. Belt saw 21 pitches in a 2018 game against Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jaime Barria. After fouling out, he flied to the right. And they sent smelling salts to Barria right away.
Q: Which former Reds player would you interview if you could, and why? – Englewood resident Shaun.
A: Russ Nixon volunteered to let me fill up his lineup card while he was managing the Reds in 1982, a season in which they lost 101 games. I said no since I knew I would lose and I didn’t want to. Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, and George Foster all available for use. Not at all, huh? You want the roster for this year? Alright. Without any injured players, this is it: India, 2B Jonathan, CF LF Will Benson, RF Jake Fraley, C; 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand; 3B Spencer Steer; Luke Maile, SS The Reds sent Bo Bichette to Toronto, and DH Stephenson Tyler.