The Cincinnati Reds Legends three-day youth baseball clinic came to an awesome end last week, and its continued success was a good old fashioned community effort. Many local companies and businesses generously contributed to this year's event.
The event would like to thank all of the good members that belong to the VFW Post 5108 for donating their field year after year for our event. We would also like to thank coach Steve Hill and coach Doug Seevers for their relentless dedication of keeping the field dry, drug, and awesomely beautiful for the Reds Stars to do their instruction. Also a big thank you to Steve and Doug for providing EMT services for the event. We would like to give a huge thank you to Marietta Hampton Inn, and Marietta Applebee's for taking care of the Cincinnati Reds stars needs, and showing great hospitality. Marietta Captain D's, Arby's, Little Ceaser's, and Parkersburg's Olive Garden shared the huge task of feeding the children daily, while Pepperidge Farm and Little Debbie snack cakes provided a much needed snack for the children and coaches at noon time. Many thanks to Pam Goodrich, Brian Yetter, Cindy Lynch, Michelle Ross, and Amber Boggess of Parkersburg Olive Garden for making the last day of Reds camp very special with their free kids meal coupons, award certificates for the children, and their genuine hospitality. Many thanks to Local radio guru Jack Horton and his sidekick Sheila Britton who did an awesome job as usual of spreading the word on Local v96.9 radio. Marietta Burger King generously provided ice, cups, and napkins for the entire three day event, while both Marietta and Parkersburg Mcdonald's donated all of their delicious orange drink for snack and lunch each day. Also a big Thank you goes out to the Marietta Fire Dept. for donating their awesome misting machine which kept the children cool and refreshed throughout the hot days. And what event could possibly be successful without good local people who volunteer their time and talents to the cause. Many thanks and gratitude goes out to local coaches Chad Barnes, Grant Degarmo, Steve Hill, Doug Seevers, Ron Casci, Dan Wagner, Jim Tenney, Mike Wagner Jr., Tim Moore, Chris Feger, Mike Hopkins, Jeff Hopkins, and Mario Cardenas, We would also like to thank Theresa Wagner, Colleen Estes, Tracy Jones, Cassandra Wagner Reynolds, and Maggie Tome for tackling the huge job of feeding the children snack and lunch each day. It's a tough job, but these ladies always step up to the plate and fill the need!
I would also like to say a grateful thank you to Big Red Machine Hero and Hall of Famer "The Big Dog" Tony Perez. What an awesome time that he spent with the kids and the fans here in Marietta. Giving hitting instruction to the children, signing hundreds of autographs for the kids and adults alike, and just being a great baseball personalty, and a great man. We will remember this day for the rest of our lives! Also a big thank you to sixteen year man and Reds great Leo "Chico" Cardenas, At 73 years old he gets around like a man half his age. Thank you to super Reds Greats Ron Oester, Todd Benzinger, Don Gullett, Eddie Milner, and Herm Winningham for sharing your talents and knowledge of the game with the children. As baseball camps and clinics go, you couldn't find a greater bunch of instructors on the entire planet than those that attended Cincinnati Reds Legends this year. Lastly, a big Thank you to all of the many parents and grandparents who loyally support this event each year. Thank you for caring, and for giving your children the experience of their lives!
They will remember this summer's Reds clinic if they live to be a hundred !
Mike Wagner
Marietta
