CINCINNATI — The AFC champs celebrated opening day at Great American Ball Park Tuesday as Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins participated in pregame festivities.
Burrow threw the ceremonial first pitch to Taylor. While he said he hadn't practiced before going on the mound, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year threw a perfect pitch to home plate. As the two walked off the field, fans began chanting, "Who Dey!"
Chase, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, presented the NL Rookie of the Year Award to Reds second baseman Jonathan India before the game.
The Reds kicked off their two-game series against the Cleveland Guardians just after 4 p.m. While the game was tied heading into the ninth inning, the Reds lost 10-5. Fans were seen heading for the exits after a grand slam by Jose Ramirez.
Before the game, fans flooded the Banks to watch the first Findlay Market Opening Day Parade since 2019. Reds and Bengals legends made special appearances, as well as local Olympians like Nick Goepper, Mary Wineburg and George Wilson.
While the game was sold out, Reds ticket prices remain low this season — especially compared with teams like the Bengals, who won the AFC Championship this season. Some fans said they were staying away from GABP because of offseason trades, but Reds president Phil Castellini called on fans to "have a little bit of faith" in the front office.
When asked why fans should maintain their trust in an interview with Scott Sloan and Mo Egger, Castellini said fans should "be careful what you ask for." The team's performance against the reigning World Series champions to start the season did provide some hope — especially Hunter Greene's major league debut, but Castellini's comments continue to put ownership under fire.
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