Futures Game and Aftermath…
Posted on 05. Apr, 2009 by Corey in Dayton Dragons Baseball, General Baseball.
2009 Cincinnati Reds Futures
Wow! What a Day! From a personal standpoint, the exhibition game featuring the Cincinnati Reds and the Reds “Futures” went off without a hitch. I cannot express how much I truly enjoyed the day, even if it did seem like a blur. Things moved so fast and rapid, and there was no chance of slowing things down.
The Cincinnati Reds had lost to the same “Futures” team the night before in Carolina, and were eager to get back and avenge themselves.
For me, the day started around 8:00 AM when I arrived at Fifth Third Field to put the final touches on both clubhouses and set up the benches for the game. The “Futures” were the first to arrive pulling up front around 11:15 AM. They were greeted by a large number of fans seeking autographs and glimpses at the former Dayton Dragons that they watched come through the organization.
My clubhouse staff and I unpacked the buses and carted the equipment down to the visitors’ clubhouse and into the locker room for the “Futures” team to dress. Most were very familiar with the stadium, as almost all of this team had played in Dayton at one time or another. The team had about an hour to get settled in and dressed as they were wanted on the field at 12:15 for a team photo followed by batting practice.
The Reds pulled up to Fifth Third Field in two busses around 12:30 and were escorted into the home clubhouse. Bringing double the equipment that the “Futures” had my staff and I got personal bags and field equipment separated and delivered to the right spot.
Gates at Fifth Third Field opened at 1:00 PM so fans could watch the two teams take part in live batting practice. Following, both teams retreated to their respective clubhouses to relax and eat a pregame meal.
The Dayton Dragons did a great job of preparing pregame activities and introductions, as each team was introduced and lined up along the foul line. Former Dragons Joey Votto and Jay Bruce seemed to receive the largest applause. The three Triple-A umpires made their way out from the dugout tunnel and the game was set to get underway.
I bounced around between the two dugouts the first four innings to check on things and make sure all was in order and that nobody needed anything. The Reds jumped out to an early lead and seemed determined to hold on and come away with a victory.
After the fifth inning, some of the Cincinnati Reds exited the game and were done for the day. I headed back into the clubhouse to help clean off their cleats, pack the players bags, and again load the bus for departure. Unfortunately, I would not come back out to see anymore of the game as things were moving more rapidly as the first bus of Reds players was getting ready to leave.
Shortly, the game was over, and now both the Reds and “Futures” clubhouses needed to be packed up and placed on the buses. I made my way down to the visiting clubhouse to say my goodbyes to many of the “Futures” guys that I had on my roster in Dayton last season, or guys that I got to know really well in Spring Training. I have to admit I was a bit sad to say goodbye, not knowing the next time I would see some of these players. All I can say is thank goodness there are cell phones and text messaging!
After signing a few more autographs outside, all the players and staff boarded the buses and were on their way back to Cincinnati where they would be splitting up to get ready for their own seasons. Within minutes, the buses were rolling away from Fifth Third Field.
I have spend many years in the overnight summer camp industry, and I can tell you that there is no greater feeling than watching your “product” or campers pulling away knowing that they had a great time and everything went great. I had the same sort of feeling as I watched the buses of baseball players and staff members leave the Dayton, Ohio area.
Although I have a huge mess in both clubhouses to clean and put back together, I am extremely pleased with the entire day and how it ran. I was very excited going into this event and I feel like it exceeded my expectations. I hope the fans enjoyed this event and will pressure the Reds into doing an event like this again in the near future. Luckily, I have a few days to turn things around and get ready for the Dragons season. Being that busy and running around to take care of things felt good and rewarding as all I heard were positive comments throughout the day.
By the way, does anyone know the final score and what happened the last few innings?
How many autographs did you get? I hope some of those were on a check.
We really enjoyed the game. Hope they make this an annual event. Nice to see they added new food this year. Can’t wait to try the Greaters.
Corey,
Was roof man there. Do you think you could send me his photo? Autographed, if possible.
mackdaddy-
so you are a fan of roofman? i plan to report on him later in the season and let everyone know about him…i will try to get an autograph…email me at corey@coreybrinn.com with your real name and address and I will see what i can do. have a great night.
Corey
Is that Tony Fossas in the picture, the one who used to pitch for the Red Sox? Man, if it is the same guy, he has been eating well. Holy cow, Corey. Take away the cheesecake from him..
That is Tony Fossas. He is the new Dragons pitching coach this year. Didn’t know he liked cheesecake…