CINCINNATI -- Before tonight’s game, the “Franchise Four” of each team was announced, as determined by a fan vote. All of the Franchise Fours were announced on the video board, save one: the hometown Reds.
When the Reds were announced, Johnny Bench came out first. Then Barry Larkin. Third up, Joe Morgan. Giving us the best catcher ever, a Hall of Fame shortstop and likely the best second baseman of all times.
Then came the Hit King.
When Pete Rose’s picture appeared on the board the ovation started. Then I started the stopwatch. The time until the ovation died down and Thom Brennaman, the P.A. announcer spoke again: 1:24. Not too shabby.
Still, not as loud and as enthusiastic as Todd Frazier craziness last night, even if lasted longer.
They love Pete Rose here. But they seem more enthused by Todd Frazier. As always, baseball wins out over hype.