Reds Winter Caravan, 2014

The Cincinnati Reds' 2014 Winter Caravan stopped in Hamilton (or "H-town," as we cool kids say) Saturday afternoon, the 25th of January.  The Caravan made a stop earlier that morning in Dayton, Ohio at the National Air Force Museum.  Had Reily Township not been buried in blowing and drifting White Death [read: snow], I would have made that road trip.  Reds & Air Force hardware?  I'm all about that!  As it was, the Reds Caravan was late in arriving at Miami University's satellite Hamilton campus because of those same adverse driving conditions.  Neither rain nor dark of night nor Death of White shall prevent the Reds Winter Caravan from its appointed rounds!

Reds broadcaster Jim Kelch emceed the festivities, ball park announcer Joe Zerhusen facilitated the public's inquisitive and astute questions for Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton, Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Tom "Mr Perfect" Browning, radio color analyst and ribs & ice cream aficionado Jeff "the Cowboy" Brantley, baseball operations dude Dick Williams and farmhand prospect Jesse Winker.  Afterward, free autographs were to be had for anyone so inclined and who might also not absentmindedly leave their complimentary autographs behind (frowny face).  Now I don't feel so bad about Rosie Red hilariously stiffing me for her autograph.

During the public's bruising Q-and-A of the Caravan, Rosie Red visited the Disney XD Girls.  At far right (above), big brother Lou found himself too enthralled with Billy Hamilton's dissertation on base stealing to smile for the camera.

From left to right (above); Billy Hamilton, Jesse Winker (sporting the Reds' new road spring training and batting practice jerseys... black, not good), the Cowboy, Jim Kelch, Mr Perfect and Dick Williams.  While signing my now-lost autograph sheet, Mr Perfect had a funny story to tell about getting sick on roller coaster rides at Kings Island.  I can also break this news; the Cowboy gave me exclusive information that he will be appearing in new Montgomery Inn and/or [not certain] UDF commercials during the upcoming season.  You (sorta) heard it here first!

If anybody finds my autographs, send me an email.  

Frowny face.