Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Countdown: 55 Days and an Unforgettable Memory
CINCINNATI — With every passing day, we get closer and closer to meaningful Reds baseball being played again. With pitchers and catchers reporting to Goodyear, Arizona right around the corner, let's begin the countdown to Opening Day, shall we?
There are currently 55 days until the Reds square off with the Washington Nationals in one of the most anticipated openers in recent memory. Does that number ring a bell to you?
No, I’m not talking about legendary Reds players to wear that number like Peaches Davis, Ozzie Timmons, or Mat Latos.
I’m talking about iconic Opening Day memories in Reds history. Let me take you back to 2011 when the Reds played the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day. The Reds were fresh off an improbable 2010 National League Central Division championship and the buzz for the club was at a fever pitch.
They opened the year on March 31 against Milwaukee with Edison Volquez on the mound. We won’t talk about Paul Janish starting at shortstop or Drew Stubbs in centerfield.
The game started on a sour note, with Volquez giving up back-to-back solo home runs to Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez. Nine pitches into the season, the Reds were down 2-0. But fear not, they battled back.
It wasn’t future National Baseball Hall of Fame players Scott Rolen or Joey Votto that put the Reds on their back, but instead the starting catcher Ramon Hernandez. Yes, No. 55 Ramon Hernandez.
The Reds entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing the Brewers 6-3 with Milwaukee closer John Axford striding to the mound.
Brandon Phillips lead the inning off with a single, then Votto drew a walk. After that, Rolen reached base on a fielder's choice, loading the bases.
Jay Bruce struck out.
Jonny Gomes, just seconds after pulling his helmet up and down in the batter's box, hit a sacrifice fly to bring the Reds within two.
Hernandez was up next, wearing No. 55. He took a first pitch strike. Then he did this:
And just like that, baseball was back. That was my first Opening Day. Talk about a memory, right? From that point on, I was hooked.
The important history of Opening Day in Cincinnati has been well documented, but it’s true what they say: There’s something special about Opening Day.
Here's to another iconic Opening Day moment, 55 days from now.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Reds for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!
You May Also Like:
Frankie Montas Signing Has Great Potential, But Questions Remain
Devin Mesoraco Gives Tyler Stephenson Advice Ahead of 2024 Season
Joey Votto Breaks Silence, Posts Hilarious Free Agency Update
Report: Blue Jays Interested in Signing Joey Votto
Reds Re-Sign Buck Farmer to Bolster Bullpen
Jonathan India Could be Odd Man Out After Candelario Signing
Early Look at Reds' Options With No. 2 Pick in 2024 MLB Draft
Former Reds Top Pick Nick Senzel Has New Home
Details Emerge About Trade Talks With White Sox for Dylan Cease
Reds Make It Official, Sign Nick Martinez
Reds Make It Official, Sign Reliever Emilio Pagan
Cincinnati Reds Have Plenty of Options Despite Missing Out on Sonny Gray
Cincinnati Reds Interested in Trade for Pricey Veteran Pitcher
Reds Were Reportedly "Close" to Signing Sonny Gray in Free Agency
Former Reds Starter Sonny Gray Expected to Sign With Cardinals
Elly De La Cruz Showed Signs of Breakthrough Late in 2023 Season
Two Jonathan India Trades That Could Make Sense For Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds Discussing Jonathan India Trade With Multiple Teams
Eugenio Suarez Back in National League Following Trade
Cincinnati Reds Non-Tender Three Players, Including Nick Senzel
Cincinnati Reds Single Game Tickets Officially on Sale for 2024 Season
Cincinnati Reds Add Top Prospect, Two Others to 40-Man Roster
-----
Be sure to keep it locked on Inside the Reds, all the time!
Follow Inside the Reds on Twitter/X: @InsideTheReds