Pyramid Hill light show preparation
Chipotle grand opening
Althea Harper on 'Runway'
Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 37th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > June > 30 > Entry
A bad night all around in Cincinnati
WASN’T CINCINNATI once a baseball town? I remember it clearly. Back in the 70s.
What happened? On Tuesday night Joey Votto returned to Cincinnati in the lineup for the first time since his stress-related stint on the DL. I expected a deafening standing ovation when he came to bat the first time.
Instead, there was a smattering of applause. I’ve heard louder applause for a dog standing on its hind legs begging for a bone in front of an ice cream story.
Shameful and embarrassing.
And speaking of shameful and embarrassing, how about those Reds Tuesday night? They didn’t have a hit until Jay Bruce’s two-out single in the fifth and Bronson Arroyo took over the league lead in home runs allowed (20) by giving up back-to-backers during a three-run sixth inning.
The first was hit by No. 8 hitter Miguel Montero and the next was hit by pitcher Dan Haren, who also held the Reds to one run and four hits over seven innings in a 6-2 win. It snapped Arizona’s five-game losing streak and was their second win in the last 10 games.
BRONSON ARROYO, the man who never met a first inning he liked, went 1-2-3 in the first Tuesday. Then he retired the first two in the second before walking the next two. No problem, thanks to Jay Bruce.
Monero singled to right and Chris Young was waved homeward from second. Apparently third base coach Chip Hale forgot to read the scouting report, the one that said, “Run on Jay Bruce at your own risk.” He ran. He risked. Bruce’s throw was so swift and true that Young gave up 15 feet from home plate - just trotted into the tag.
Bruce now has nine assists, tied for the league lead with Washington’s Elijah Dukes.
BEST ARM I ever saw: A one-armed slot machine bandit at the MGM Grand in Vegas that paid me $750 once. Second best arm I ever saw dangles from the shoulder of Josh Hamilton. In spring training two years ago I saw him throw a ball from the right field corner to the third base bag on the fly, the ball starting out about five feet above the ground and reached third five feet above the ground. If there had been a horse standing between the mound and second base, Hamilton would have dropped it dead.
WITH TWO outs and a runner on first in the third, Justin Upton hit a ball between second and first. Second baseman Brandon Phillips made a sliding stop and ended up on the seat of his britches. Instead of holding the ball, he threw it while sitting in the grass and it skipped past first baseman Joey Votto.
Two hits later, the Diamondbacks led, 3-0.
SCOUT’S ASSESSMENT of Phillips: “Too much ESPN-itis. He’ll make the spectacular play and he’ll try to turn the routine play into a spectacular one, too, and mess it up.”
MEANWHILE, the Reds were helpless babes against Danny Haren. They didn’t have a runner on base until there were two outs in the fourth. Haren was perfect until then, 11 up, 11 down. He walked Joey Votto with two outs in the fourth, but that’s it. Nothing else. A no-hitter after four.
Bruce broke up the no-hitter in the fifth with a two-out single.
NO-HITTERS I have covered:
Rick Wise of the Cardinals threw a no-hitter against the Reds in Riverfront Stadium. And he hit two home runs that day.
Tom Seaver, known more as a New York Met than a Cincinnati Red, threw his only no-hitter while wearing a Reds uniform. Oddly, Seaver’s best friend was catcher Johnny Bench (and they remain tight to this day). But Bench didn’t catch that day. A kid named Donnie Werner caught the no-hitter.
Tom Browning’s perfect game against the Dodgers in a rain-delayed game that didn’t start until after 10 p.m. and ended just before midnight. Few fans were left, but Browning says he has had about 400,000 people tell him they were there that night.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Bruce
July 1, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
“Dusty will give him a chance to get out of that slump, and his players love him for that.” Says Timb. Hey timb:I rather believe Dusty’s players prefer winning; more than loyalty to a non-producing CFer, who has been given more than enough chances. And, I also believe that Castellini and Jocketty aren’t blind to the fact that Chris Dickerson is definitely out-performing their chosen CF!By RC
July 1, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this
Wow, “pathetic”. Don’t take this the wrong way - but go sit on a railroad spike. Dink.By FLRed
July 1, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
The team many of you seem to be wishing for - the one with your personal favorites at each position - that’s fantasy ball. The reality is a 162-game roller coaster ride with other people at the controls. Hang on..By pathetic
July 1, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
Well I sure hope that Hal and his seeing eye dog gave Votto a standing ovation if he’s going to call out the fans who paid to see that performance last night. And that performance is the only thing I would call pathetic!By xenia-bill
July 1, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
I was there last nite and I was expecting a no no by the Arizona pitcher after 3 innings but was glad that didn’t happen. Batting by nix,JV,Bruce was impressive. Relief pitching stood out also. Tonite the Reds will turn the tables on the Arizonians!By GARJR
July 1, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
“I see Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Arroyo was on the mound last night. For the love of God bench him or trade him. Promote Heisey from AAA- the kid can play.” You mean bench the same guy who has 8 quality starts? And do it while Volquez is on the DL? Arroyo has a streak like this every year, always ends up more than serviceable. There are plenty of teams (including some really well-run ones) that would gladly take him off our hands. PS Bring up Heisey in his place? I missed the part where Heisey developed into a starting pitcher. I guess he takes Bronson’s rotation spot?By Michael in Monterey, CA
July 1, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
I see Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Arroyo was on the mound last night. For the love of God bench him or trade him. Promote Heisey from AAA- the kid can play.By goredlegs
July 1, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
I was at the game last night. The 5 dollar tickets were sold out, and I just caught Votto’s first AB from the balcony. My buddy and I cheered, but that was about it. There seemed to be mostly family’s with there children making up most of the crowd. So as others have said, I don’t think anyone knew what that at bat really meant. But it wasn’t like we were gonna touch Haren anyway…By Bill from Florida
July 1, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
Play with Dickerson CF, Philips 2B, Votto 1B, Gomes LF, Nix RF, Encarnacion 3B, Hanigan C, Janish SS. Nix in RF until Bruce gets his stroke back, if any. Otherwise, there is no sense for a .220 AVG outfielder. Get rid this year of Taveras, Hairston, Gonzalez and Arroyo. Get rid next year of Encarnacion, Harang and Hernandez. Look for a SS for 2010 and a 3B for 2011. Promote Stubbs, Sutton, Heisey, Bailey (I hope he stays), Maloney, Stewart, Frazier and Wood.By RC
July 1, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
If you’re not excited enough by the talent on the field to go see them, that’s your opinion, and not one I would argue with. But to the extent that you blame Castellini’s pre-season statements for turning you off, then you gotta admit the he hasn’t been proven wrong - yet. You can read your tea leaves and declare the season lost. Knock yourself out. Me, I’ll just wait and see how things shake out. Warts and all, I’m enjoying this Reds team more than any in years. And look on the bright side - low scoring games are over faster.By Nick W
July 1, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this
Jack, i dont know what to call cincinnati fans but im sure alot of them feel the same way you do and thats why people dont go to the games. Im not saying i go to every game and i am this die hard fan but when i get a chance to go i dont even think about what there record is cus im a fan and im going to go out and support them. Me sitting at my house watching the games and reading about them is not going to help them but going out to the games might help something cus when the come out and see the place sold out they might play a little better. Im not doubting your a fan but it shouldnt matter if there 10 games above .500, at .500, or 10 games below .500 its your team and u should show how big of a fan you are outside your house. Thats what drives me crazy about some reds fans.By Cheviot Sports Authority
July 1, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
If being a game below .500 and closer to last place than making the playoffs and paying to see guys washed-ups, has-beens and never weres are what floats your boat, by all means drink the kool-ade. Meanwhile the ninth consecutive losing season is looming large, St CSABy jackie
July 1, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
I was at the game last night and was quite surprised at the muted applause for Votto. I also noticed the crowd around me seemed to be very casual fans who were making multiple trips to the concession stands and totally disinterested in the game. Though, last night’s game was quite boring for the Red’s fans, it is disheartening to have so little support for the home team. They announced the attendance as 22K; however, there were only around 12K in the seats, in my opinion. Someone mentioned that maybe people were more interested in the innuendo and rumors surrounding Votto’s trip to the DL and they may be right which is sad and sick. I understand the frustration of several losing seasons but get in it or get out! out!By jason
July 1, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this
This isnt about the lack of fans at the game. Its about the fans at the game not being into the game and not welcoming our best player back after a month off. When he was in Dayton a couple weeks back I hear he had a tremendous ovation. Do people just not see mental health as a serious issue? Im at a real loss here, but am glad that this story is picking up some legs. Mark Sheldon even wrote a blog on it on the Reds website.By ADub
July 1, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
Cheviot- It’s pretty lame that you are now badgering Hal’s readers after being booted from John Fay’s blog. Retire your act, bro…By Jack
July 1, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Nick, I dont equate bandwagon with attendance issues. Bandwagon is when your neighbor shows up in a Steelers jersey out of no where. The people not going to the games are still Reds fans, just dont feel the need to pay major league prices for a minor league team. My love for the Reds is going no where, but I am not paying money to watch a team like that. That is not even an average team, notwithstanding the near .500. I think most Reds fan would agree that THIS team staying in it until the end is far from reality. I will watch and root on TV, read the coverage, but will not be paying money until the ownership puts a quality product on the field. On another note, Hal, any connection to EE sitting out and Seattle’s need for a third baseman?By RC
July 1, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
Uh, Cheviot, look at the standings. This IS a contending ballclub, at least at the moment. Why the heck would fans be “very put off”?By Steve F
July 1, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
Been going to games since 1971 and it is different now…but has been since the strike in 1994. For all it’s faults Riverfront was a comfortable place to watch a game.By nick w
July 1, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
i knew someone would write a comment like cheviots. So many fans are bandwagon fans in this town. But apprently being .500 a couple weeks before the all star break is not good enough. It shouldn’t matter what the reds record is, its being able to go watch a major league baseball game. I might not agree with everything the reds do but them playing willy and gonzo is not going to stop me from watching them. Reading these comments shows me that there are some fans around that still love going to a game for baseball not for a bobbelhead or to watch fireworks. There is nothing more fun then going to a sold out reds game but unfortuntly is doesnt happen that often. Going to the game tonight hopefully some fans show up.By CheviotSportsAuthority
July 1, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
Cincinnati baseball fans are just tired of losing and paying to see guys like Wily Tavaras, Happy Hairston, Alex Gonzalez (when availabe). Right now there are 2 starting position players worth watching (Phillips and Votto), I also think fans were very put off by the preseason remarks from Castellini proclaiming this a contending ballclub. If they ever put an exciting WINNING team on the field, the fans will come back. Let us hope that it is not too late. St CSABy CheviotSportsAuthority
July 1, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Cincinnati baseball fans are just tired of losing and paying to see guys like Wily Tavaras, Happy Hairston, Alex Gonzalez (when availabe). Right now there are 2 starting position players worth watching (Phillips and Votto), I also think fans were very put off by the preseason remarks from Castellini proclaiming this a contending ballclub. If they ever put an exciting WINNING team on the field, the fans will come back. Let us hope that it is not too late. St CSABy Jack
July 1, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, certainly agree with all the last post. He got himslef in position to make a play and with a good throw, would have had him. I see no fault there. On trades, I would deal either Harang or Arroyo. I would trade Harang because I think the Reds are holding him back. He has the potential to be a great pitcher, but for whatever reason, just not working here. Use that money to bring in a bat.By hakko
July 1, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
People are saying other Second baseman would not have gotten to that ball. OK, then the batter is on first and if the other runner tries to advance to 3b, Bruce has a shot at him. Throw the ball away and you have two runners in scoring position. Sorry, but I will take the 2B that knows when to eat it or lets the ball get through. In the end, it is a better play. As far as Votto, it may have been better that he not get the standing O. All that does is add pressure to him and that is probably not what he needs.By Renaissance Man
July 1, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
A few thoughts: Hal, I agree that although the people of Cincinnati like to be known as a baseball town, we sure do not act like one. When I go to games, I see people are more interested in cheese coneys and the mascot race on the scoreboard, and KissCam, than the game on the field. And who cares about bobblehead dolls? It seems like that is the only time a crowd is willing to assemble on a weeknight games. I love the Reds, but it is hypocritical for fans to complain when we are no longer the first game of the season by saying, “But we’re Cincinnati — the first baseball team ever … and a bona fide baseball town” and then not act like baseball fans all season. The vibe is very different in a lot of other stadiums I have been to — Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and Miller Park in particular. The fans there actually pay attention to the games, unlike GABP and Wrigley, where it is just a social event. It is time to realize that we need to move some major players to make the team better. I have tried to give Brandon Phillips every benefit of the doubt, but I think his attitude and style of play are detrimental to the team. I think he is a self-centered hot dog. I think he had a lot to do with Josh Hamilton being traded, based on some of his comments to the media last year, because he could not stand for Josh (or Griffey) to get more attention than him. I think we should trade him to a team that is looking for a bat (even though we need offense too), e.g., the Giants, for a good pitcher and a different 2bman. I also think we should trade Harang, Arroyo and Cordero to contenders for a pitcher and some everyday position players with some character and a focus on the team (unlike Phillips). The team will be much better in the long run if we do this, in my opinion. Also, leave Bailey in the rotation for the rest of the year. Those of you who rip Hal, lay off. Cincinnati.com has lousy coverage and the truth of the matter is that Hal is the only one who provides good and interesting coverage on a daily basis. So what if he makes a couple of spelling mistakes — he has bad eyes. He has earned his Hall of Fame status — show some respect!!! If not, you are just another 300-pounder looking for his 5th coney at the game who wants to watch KissCam …By Mike-Cinci
July 1, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
Jack makes a good point about naming sources and then the reporter never gets to talk to that guy again. That said, I don’t think the reference to the scout’s words (be they true or not) was necessary. I think Phillips tried to make a super play but it did not pan out. That’s no reason to criticize the guy. We all want players to try hard on every play. Sometimes Phillips “dogs it” on potential HR’s and he gets appropriately criticized for it by Hal and many others including me. It is frustrating to see him do that. Giving him heck on the defensive play last night just does not seem fair. Phillips is a wonderful fielder with great range. Sometimes he will screw up. Don’t we all? Most 2nd basemen would not have got within 3 feet of that ball.By jason
July 1, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
Nick W. I agree with you 100%, I remember watching the Jr. 600 chase and thinking the same thing. I dont get it, and i dont want to hear 9 years of losing or spoiled on Big Red Machine, etc. I understand the economy and understand after years of losing why we dont draw all tht well, but what i dont get is how we dont seem to appreciate things the way most baseball towns do in MLB. Boston is one extreme and im not saying we should have a crowd like that, though it would be nice.By Nick W
July 1, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Thank you hal for mentioning that about the fans not cheering for Votto. Everyone knew what he went through and that place should have been going crazy when he got up to bat. I remeber last year when griffey was at 599 home runs and i went to the game and when he got up to bat you would think that the whole place should be standing waiting to see history. Well thats what i thought until i stood up and everyone around sat down, some fan even yelled at me to sit down. That was the worst thing i ever saw. I was at fenway a couple weeks ago and the game was sold out even though it had been raining for about 5 hours before the game even started. About the 6th inning it started to pour and i looked around the stadium and i dont think one person left there seat to get out of the rain. i was amazed, if votto played for boston im sure he would get one hell of a standing O.By Wizard
July 1, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
Excellent point, Jack. And, as I saw it, if Brandon’s arm had not hit the ground, on his throwing attempt—it would have been one of the greatest plays ever made by a second baseman!By Jack
July 1, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
Umm Mike-Cinci, when has a reporter ever given up a source…even in this situation, do you think the scout would ever talk to Hal again if he was named? Who do you think gives the writers a lot of the trade scoop. Sorry, Mike, usually with you, but pretty dumb there. Now, on the play, I disagree. Phillips did a wonderful job of keeping his body in front and coming up in a position to throw. 90% of players would have belly flopped on that and had no chance to make throw. It was a great try. Cant fault him for trying to make a play.By tim
July 1, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
why should we stand for Joey Votto… he had to take time off from playing baseball, my Dad passed away and I didn’t take 3 weeks off for stress almost a year after he passed…geezBy Dan
July 1, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this
I was luky enough to be at both Seavers and Brownings no-hitters. Both times I had friends with me who weren’t baseball fans and had no idea of what they were seeing. I’m still holding on to the ticket stub from Brownings game and someday I’ll get if autographedBy BOBO 7/10/23
July 1, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hal’s mention of Don Werner as the catcher of Seaver’s only no-hitter sparks two other memories of a Reds backup catcher working a no-hitter. In 1968, Pat Corrales caught George Culver’s no-no even though rookie Johnny Bench played 154 games that year. In 1988, Jeff Reed caught Tom Browning’s perfect game when Bo Diaz was considered the regular.By jason
July 1, 2009 6:40 AM | Link to this
Thank you Hal for bringing up the embarrassing ovation for JV last night. I sat at home watching and couldnt believe what I saw or actually didnt see. Shameful-Pathetic.By Gary Maloy Jr.
July 1, 2009 3:15 AM | Link to this
Okay Hal, thanks dude. Now you’ve given away the answer to my favorite trivia question to people who think they know everything about major league baseball. My personal opinion is that Rick Wise’s no-hitter has to be one of the top three single game performances in baseball history. First he threw the no-no against the BRM mach I: Bench, May, Helms, Concepcion, Perez, McRae, Foster and Rose. A curiosity from that day: Davey Concepcion played shortstop the entire game (see box score) and went 0 for 1. Wise only gave up one walk. He didn’t hit anyone. Jimmy Stewart pinch hit - presumably for Concepcion. Rose was the only Red with four at-bats. The top five in the Reds batting order: Rose, Foster, May, Bench and Perez went a combined 0 for 16. But the incredible thing was that Wise hit the two home-runs - that’s a decent days work for a pitcher. I listened to the game (I was 10 years old at the time) sitting in the kitchen at my Dad’s mom’s place (lots of Oreos and chocolate milk!). I can’t remember (of course) any close defensive plays, but the Phillie defense wasn’t exactly Tinker to Evers to Chance. McCarver, Johnson (ex-Red), Harmon, Bowa, Vukovich (future-Red), Lis, Montanez, Freed (future-Red). Here’s the box score for you baseball geeks out there… http://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/06231971.shtmlBy Time Bandit
July 1, 2009 2:43 AM | Link to this
AB,the know it all is here,just like the JV situation,he’s right on the story.Hey AB,what’s the lotto numbers for Wed.???By Time Bandit
July 1, 2009 2:33 AM | Link to this
I think it is embarrasing,and shameful to read Mike-Cinci comment.To ??? a HALL of FAME writer,GET the H*ll off of here,you idiotBy Aaron B.
July 1, 2009 2:29 AM | Link to this
Face it folks. The economy is in a shambles. The people attending the games are not die-hard fans, they are simply people taking the family out for some entertainment. I bet 80% have not been following this team on a daily basis or any kind of basis at all. They are just going out and getting some fresh air and watching baseball. The knowledgable fans are at home reading blogs watching on mlb.tv or gameday… Lets not ridicule the commonfolk, its not their fault they don’t know about Joey.. maybe the Enquirer is partly to blame for making his absence a non-story for over a month… no one even noticed he was missing except for real fans.By t
July 1, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this
If your gonna dog Phillips for his mistakes at least spellcheck your blog before you post it.By Samantha
June 30, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this
I was at the game tonight. My dad brother and I stood for Votto. I was pretty shocked there weren’t more welcome back signs (I counted 2). All in all it was a pretty pitiful crowd. They did the wave…a lot. I hate the wave especially at baseball games.By Mike-Cinci
June 30, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
Hal has called the last 2 losses by the Reds embarrasing(in Cleveland on Friday and tonight vs. Arizona). He added “shameful” to his adjectives. tonight. This is tough criticism. Half the teams in baseball won tonight and half lost. Gosh that’s shameful for the 15 teams who lost. Losing a baseball game is far from shameful. In this blog regarding Votto Hal wrote “I was expecting a “deafending” standing ovation with some folks standing”. Huh! Is this sentence embarassing and shameful? I would say no…just a couple of mistakes made in haste. Maybe Hal should give Phillips the same courtesy. By the way Hal, if you quote a scout on Phillips have the guts to name the scout. Otherwise many of us will think it was your opinion disguised as the scout? Unidentified sources are very suspicious when used to criticize others. It could be gossip or a lie. Unless Phillips smiles and talks to you soon he will continue to be killed in your writing or so it seems.By silverquill
June 30, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t agree more with Hal and Jim M and Ybor. What’s wrong with you fans? Give me some reasons, those of you who were there, why you sat on your hands and didn’t give the guy a hero’s welcome. Imagine what St. Louis would do for Albert Pujols? It is just a sad commentary.By jim m.
June 30, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this
I was shocked to hear Joey didnt get a standing ovation.. If i could have gone tonight instead of power washing my mothers porch, i would have stood for him. NOW to Baker.. WHEN will he stop hurting this team before they even start the game?? Taveras should have been sitting for Dickerson.. I wonder how many on this team care for his playing of players that fail to do their jobs??? Patterson last year, Taveras this season..GRRRRRBy Y-City Jim
June 30, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this
Absolutely agree with Hal. I fully expected a standing ovation for Votto.