Eric Espinosa

American traditions: Reds Fans

In Cincinnati where I live, Baseball has a very special place....Kids from their young age play in minor leagues and are fans of the Reds, the local Major League Baseball team... The season starts with a great Opening Day parade and then for 6 months, the city breathes baseball...

Kids fans in a rivate lodge in the stadium, behind glass window.
   
Just outside of the Stadium, the kids gather near a runway where there is a "lane" similar to the one on the field. Next to pictures of former Reds stars, kids run as fast as they can and get timed while others watch them.
  
Fans in the Stadium really make the game a unique experience for the kids...Some wear red hats, wigs, ...There is a real communion between the team, the players and the fans. Importantly, because of the nb of games and the affordability of the tickets (at leat in Cincinnati), baseball is the only professional sport in NA that draws fans to the stadoum from all social classes...Rich or poor, white of black, you can get in and watch the Reds.
     
  
You find Reds fans in the stadium from the age of 3 all the way to 70...Babies to grand-fathers....Baseball is America's game. There is no place where it is more true than in Cincinnati.
   
Fans gather on the side of the field before the game starts to be able to get an autograph from baseball players, in this case Brandon Philips....Little kids just want a an autograph on their shirt, hat....Some older fans make a real business of signed Baseball cards, bats.
   
Kids gather in the ghetto to watch the Reds Parade on Opening Day. Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise the Cincinnati Reds were historically awarded the privilege of "opening the Openers" and hosted the outings from 1876-1989. Only twice during this time (1877 and 1966) were they forced to debut on the road due to rain. Finally in 1990, the tradition was broken and the Reds were scheduled to appear as the visitors against the Houston Astros. Despite the prestige of being christened as baseball's opening act, Cincinnati has posted an average record of 50-52-1 that has been shadowed by the countless spectacles off the baseline including parades, fireworks, circus performances and the opening of new ballparks in 1884, 1894, 1912 and 2003.
     
  
   
The Reds Opening Day Parade starts in the ghetto downtown, near the historical Findlay market. On that day, the whole city wears the red colour...and the ghetto no longer looks like the ghetto...A cheerful population is out on the streets, waving at the parade, wishing the team a winning season.
   
     
  
Some kids go to the game with a baseball, hoping to get it signed by Reds player before the game starts.
   
In the subburb of Cincinnati, kids grow up watching the Reds and playing in the minor league during the summer. Parents and coaches are all watching...pressure can be high for some...kids or not, you have to know how to hit the ball in "reds" country!
   
     
  
Late summer afternoon at the highest point of the Reds stadium...Just behind, the Ohio River....
   
Baseball is probably the only profesionnal sports in NA in which the entire family goes to the game.
  
Time to celebrate, one Reds player just scored! Every home run in the stadium from a Reds player is followed by a firework.
     
  
Bar next to the stadium where the fans gather afterwards for a few beers.