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In light of the excitement around the dedication of Marty Brennaman's statue at Great American Ballpark, we thought we would republish this special episode during our fall break.

Mike Zilliox, an IT professional and lifelong Reds fan (and Randy's neighbor!), joins the podcast to discuss his Reds fandom and his Twitter account @TitanicStruggle, where he shared funny, interesting, and controversial quotes from retired Reds announcer Marty Brennaman. (Randy and Mike are co-authors of "@Titanicstruggle: The Best of Marty Brennaman) Mike talks about his love for Marty and Joe, his favorite Reds players, and his experiences meeting Sean Casey and other players. He also shares his favorite Martyisms and memorable moments from the broadcasts. Mike also shares his favorite Reds players, memorable trades, and attending postseason games. Mike mentions his go-to Twitter follow, Umpire Auditor, for information about the accuracy of MLB umpires..

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In this fascinating episode, which was recorded before the 2024 season, Randy and Jack interview Mike Suter, a lifelong Reds fan and the father of major league pitcher Brent Suter who signed with the Reds in January, 2024. They dive into Brent's journey to the major leagues, from his time at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, at Harvard, and his draft day experience and his minor league career. The episode continues with a discussion about Brent's path to the major leagues and his success as a pitcher. I

Mike discusses his experience following Brent's career in the minor leagues and his call-up to the majors. Mike shares his nervousness as a parent watching Brent pitch and the special moments he has been able to attend. He also talks about the challenges of being a Reds fan while Brent played for other teams and his excitement when Brent signed with the Reds. Mike highlights Brent's passion for the environment and his children's book, as well as the similarities between Milwaukee and Cincinnati as baseball cities.

The trio discuss Mike's Reds fandom, his favorite players, and his first game as a Reds fan. They also talk about Mike's athletic background and his experience playing with Barry Larkin. Mike shares his favorite moments as a Reds fan, including the 1972 pennant win and the 1975 World Series.

He concludes by expressing his hope for a Reds World Championship with Brent on the team.

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Hosts Jack and Randy welcome Julie Isphording, a Cincinnati native and Olympian, to discuss her journey from growing up in Cincinnati to becoming a world-class runner. Julie shares her experiences with the Cincinnati Reds, her Olympic trials, and the challenges of burnout after achieving her dreams.

The conversation also touches on Cincinnati's vibrant sports culture, her retirement from directing the Thanksgiving Day race, and her future plans in health and wellness.

Takeaways:

• Julie Isphording is a proud Cincinnatian and Olympian.
• Growing up in Cincinnati provided a supportive community for Julie.
• Her first memorable Reds game was with her grandmother.
• Julie had a unique experience training with Eric Davis during spring training.
• The Olympic trials were a pivotal moment in her running career.
• Burnout is a real challenge for athletes after achieving their goals.
• Cincinnati has a rich sports culture that includes baseball, football, and running.
• The Flying Pig Marathon is one of the best organized races in the country.
• Julie is stepping back from directing the Thanksgiving Day race after 25 years.
• She plans to focus on health projects and writing in her retirement.

Sound Bites

• "Slumps are real deals."
• "This race saved his life."
• "I love LaRosas pizza."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to an Olympian's Journey

01:47
Growing Up in Cincinnati

03:17
Memorable Reds Experiences

07:47
Favorite Players and Spring Training Stories

12:11
The Start of a Running Career

19:23
Training for the Olympics

24:10
The Role of Community and Support

26:56
The Olympic Trials Experience

33:44
First Marathon and Personal Bests

40:00
Dealing with Slumps and Burnout

42:23
Transitioning from Race Director to New Ventures

47:08
Memorable Moments in Racing

52:53
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

52:57
Community and Unity in Sports

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John Hirschbeck, a former MLB umpire, shares his journey from a high school student needing money to a respected umpire in Major League Baseball. John discusses his experiences in various cities, the challenges of scheduling, injuries faced during his career, and the impact of technology on umpiring.

John reflects on memorable games, the importance of handling managers with respect, and his community work through the Magic of Michael Foundation, which supports children with disabilities. The conversation provides insights into the life of an umpire and the evolution of the game.

Takeaways

• John Hirschbeck's journey to becoming an MLB umpire started from a need for money in high school.
• He enjoyed umpiring from the start.
• Scheduling for umpires is influenced by seniority and personal preferences.
• Umpires have to manage injuries and physical challenges throughout their careers.
• Cincinnati is a favorite city for John due to its proximity to home and great food.
• John emphasizes the importance of handling managers with respect and understanding.
• Replay technology has changed the dynamics of umpiring, reducing the need for direct interactions with managers.
• Memorable games include significant moments like no-hitters and record-breaking events.
• The evolution of umpiring standards has made the game more technical and less personal.
• John's final game was a historic World Series, marking the end of a significant career.

Sound Bites

• "I love being in the Midwest."
• "Dusty was always a class act."
• "Bob Boone was the best receiver."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to John Hirschbeck

01:19
Journey to Becoming an MLB Umpire

04:34
Umpiring Experience and Favorite Cities

07:51
Injuries and Challenges as an Umpire

08:33
Umpiring in Cincinnati and Memorable Interactions

11:19
Handling Managers and Game Psychology

12:35
Replay and Its Impact on Umpiring

15:06
The Galarraga Perfect Game Controversy

16:06
Understanding the Replay System

18:05
Changes in Umpiring with Replay

20:55
The Technicalities of Modern Umpiring

23:16
The Evolution of Umpiring Styles

24:43
Reflections on a No-Hitter Game

28:06
Historic Moments in Umpiring

30:27
The Rain Delay Dilemma

33:31
Reflections on Retirement

41:14
The Impact of Terry Francona

46:48
Life After Umpiring and Community Involvement

52:17
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

52:21
Community and Unity in Sports

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Julie Nixon-Hills, Russ Nixon, Cincinnati Reds, baseball history, family legacy, sports management, baseball fans, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, baseball stories

Summary

Julie Nixon-Hils shares her deep-rooted connection to baseball, stemming from her family's rich history in the sport. She discusses her upbringing in Cincinnati, her uncle Russ Nixon's career as a manager for the Reds, and the challenges he faced in that role. Julie also talks about her father's baseball career - He was Russ' twin!

Julie reflects on her experiences as a Reds fan, the dynamics of her family, and the impact of her grandfather's legacy. The conversation also touches on her life in Indianapolis, her favorite Cincinnati beers, and her preference for a Reds championship over a Pacers title.

Takeaways

• Julie Nixon-Hills has a strong family legacy in baseball.
• Growing up in a baseball family shaped her identity.
• Her uncle Russ Nixon faced challenges as a manager for the Reds.
• Julie has fond memories of watching Reds games with her grandmother.
• The Nixon twins were known for their talent in baseball from a young age.
• Julie reflects on the importance of respect for the game.
• She enjoys following the Reds despite living in Indianapolis.
• Julie has a preference for Cincinnati beers like Hudy Delight.
• The conversation highlights the differences between Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
• Julie values her family's history and connection to baseball.

Sound Bites

• "We were just kind of born into it."
• "Nobody likes being fired."
• "We miss home. It's familiar."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Julie Nixon-Hils

01:37
Julie’s Background and Family History

03:22
Growing Up in a Baseball Family

07:23
The Story of Herman Clifton

12:30
The Nixon Twins and Their Baseball Journey

17:52
Being a Reds Fan and Family Connections

19:08
Russ Nixon's Management of the Reds

22:29
Challenges and Triumphs of Russ Nixon

24:42
Russ Nixon's Time with the Braves

26:37
Reflections on Past Experiences

27:57
Memories from the Braves Era

29:24
Pranks and Family Bonds

30:38
Growing Up with a Famous Name

32:00
Following the Reds from Afar

33:50
Life in Indianapolis vs. Cincinnati

37:28
Favorite Cincinnati Beers and Memories

40:26
Reds vs. Pacers: A Fan's Perspective

44:21
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

44:25
Community and Unity in Sports

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Summary

Geoff Hobson, aka Butch Hobson, a sports journalist for 49 years, shares his journey from a young baseball fan in Massachusetts to becoming a prominent beat writer for the Cincinnati Bengals. He reflects on his early influences, the evolution of sports journalism, and the differences between working for newspapers and NFL teams.

Hobson also discusses his experiences covering the Reds, memorable players, and his predictions for the Bengals' future success.

Takeaways

• Geoff Hobson has been a beat writer for the Bengals since 2000.
• He grew up in Massachusetts, heavily influenced by the Boston Globe's sports section.
• Hobson's journey into sports journalism began at Syracuse University.
• He transitioned to Cincinnati for better opportunities and quality of life.
• Hobson believes the current Bengals team is the best he's seen in his tenure.
• He reflects on the differences in reporting for newspapers versus the NFL.
• Hobson emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports journalism.
• He shares memorable experiences with players like Tony Perez and Joe Nuxhall.
• Hobson predicts a successful season for the Bengals, potentially hosting the AFC Championship game.
• He acknowledges the evolution of sports journalism and the challenges of modern reporting.

Sound Bites

• "This is a great hit."
• "I always wanted to read stuff."
• "I think the Red Sox won that series."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jeff Hobson

01:41
Growing Up and Early Influences

05:27
Journey into Sports Journalism

11:42
Transition to Cincinnati and Career Beginnings

14:19
Differences in Reporting: Newspapers vs. NFL

20:44
Storytelling in Journalism

21:21
Lifelong Reds Fandom and Career Reflections

30:00
Reflections on Tony Perez's Short Tenure

32:18
The Impact of Tony Canigliaro's Career

36:36
Personal Connections to Baseball Legends

40:30
Comparing Fenway Park and Great American Ballpark

41:28
Mike Brown's Love for the Reds

46:26
Predictions for the Bengals' Future

52:26
The Evolution of Sports and Gambling

55:41
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

55:45
Community and Unity in Sports

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Summary

In this episode of 'We Love Our Team', hosts Jack and Randy interview renowned artist Tom Tsuchiya, who shares his journey as a Cincinnati native and his experiences creating iconic baseball bronze statues and the gazebo for the Great American Ballpark: Statues of Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and Pete Rose being the most recent, along with the gazebo featuring the 1869 Red Stockings.

Tom discusses his early memories of being a Reds fan, the significance of the 1990 Reds team, and the artistic process behind his sculptures, including the upcoming statue of announcer Marty Brennaman. The conversation highlights Tom's passion for art, baseball, and his deep connection to Cincinnati culture.

Takeaways

• Tom Tsuchiya is a proud Cincinnatian and Reds fan.
• His parents were baseball fans, which influenced his love for the sport.
• The 1990 Reds team exemplified the essence of teamwork in baseball.
• Tom's journey into sculpture was inspired by his childhood experiences in Japan.
• He created the statues for Great American Ballpark after winning a bid.
• Tom's artistic process involves collaboration with players and the Reds organization.
• The upcoming statue of Marty Brenneman is a significant project for Tom.
• Each statue captures a unique moment in baseball history.
• Tom emphasizes the importance of fan engagement with the statues.
• Future projects may include more statues of Reds legends.

Sound Bites

• "The whole team is the MVP."
• "I think the ball would be at that spot."
• "I love Gold Star more."

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Archbishop Casey will throw out the first pitch before the Reds-Cardinals game on August 30.

Summary

In this fascinating conversation with WE LOVE OUR TEAM's first religious leader as a guest, Cincinnati Archbishop Robert Casey shares insights into his life, from his upbringing in Illinois to his journey into the priesthood and eventual appointment as Archbishop of Cincinnati. He discusses the significance of community in both faith and sports, reflecting on his love for baseball and the Cincinnati Reds.

Archbishop Casey emphasizes the importance of prayer, the role of the pallium in his leadership, and his goals for the Archdiocese. The conversation highlights the intersection of faith, culture, and community, providing a unique perspective on his mission as a bishop.

Takeaways

• Archbishop Casey was ordained in 1994 and became Archbishop of Cincinnati in 2025.
• He grew up in Alsip, Illinois, in a family with a rich cultural background.
• His journey to the priesthood began in high school after an impactful interview with a pastor.
• He experienced a transition from being a parish priest to a bishop, expanding his community focus.
• Baseball holds a special place in his heart, reflecting on its significance in American culture.
• He enjoys the camaraderie and community spirit found in sports, similar to that in faith.
• Archbishop Casey will throw the first pitch at a Reds game, celebrating Catholic schools.
• He emphasizes the importance of prayer, even for sports victories, while acknowledging God's will.
• The pallium symbolizes his role and responsibility as an archbishop.
• He aims to learn about the culture and community of Cincinnati to better serve the diocese.

Sound Bites

• "I was the fourth of five kids."
• "I began to think about being a priest."
• "Nerves are a good thing."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Archbishop Casey

01:19
Archbishop Casey's Early Life and Family Background

02:59
Journey to the Priesthood

04:35
First Assignments and Early Ministry

07:31
Transitioning from Priest to Bishop

09:11
Baseball and Personal Connections

09:24
Chicago Baseball Rivalries

11:40
The Role of Faith in Sports

17:42
Prayers for Victory and Divine Intervention

20:25
Community and Faith in Sports

21:59
Throwing the First Pitch and Celebrating Catholic Schools

24:02
The Joy of First Mass

27:00
Sports and Faith: A Community Connection

29:33
Understanding the Pallium

31:53
Priorities as Archbishop of Cincinnati

34:45
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Appointments

36:17
Discovering Cincinnati: A New Adventure

37:26
Culinary Delights: Cincinnati vs. Chicago

42:08
Church Festivals: A Cultural Comparison

43:33
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

43:35
Community and Unity in Sports