Welcome back inside the vault. This week we celebrate Cincinnati’s unique holiday – Opening Day.
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First look at a hometown legend in the making.
Pete Rose (third from right) takes the field for his first Opening Game in 1963 at Crosley Field. Other Reds, from left, include C Johnny Edwards, CF Vada Pinson, 1B Gordy Coleman (18) and LF Frank Robinson (20). (Enquirer file photo)
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Why wouldn’t it surprise me to see this happen again this year?
Blowers remove snow that fell overnight in 1977. (Enquirer file photo)
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This photo captured the apex of optimism about the Reds, for about a 10 year period. Dante Bichette, also pictured.
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Like I said, we thought the Reds had CF solved for a decade. Two years later, these guys played the bulk of the season there.
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Stuff like this happened. Joey Hamilton started on Opening Day.
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Go Away Rain! Cincinnati Enquirer/Bob Free April 12, 1955: General manager Gabe Paul, field manager Birdie Tebbetts and president Powell Crosley Jr., left to right, “brass” of the Cincinnati Redlegs, gingerly stepped out of the dugout to feel for rain yesterday at Crosley Field. The Crosley luck held; the Reds got their opener in.
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At least it was cheap.
Entry to the 1957 opener – $1. See the full ticket stub gallery at http://findlaymarketparade.com/Opening_Day_Ticket_Stubs_to_1979
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From the same year – this guy’s seat may have cost $2.20.
Opening Day 1957 Cincinnati Enquirer/Bob Free 1957: Reds opening day at Crosley Field.
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Baseball is about fathers…
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…and sons.
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And putting strange guys on center stage.
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Bonus coverage!
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I have no earthly idea.
From the 1994 Findlay Market parade. http://findlaymarketparade.com/1994_Parade_Photos
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Let’s hope for another walkoff.
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