December 2008
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Junket to Spring Training
Last in a Series
By Amy
Staff Mom and Blog Goddess
March in Ohio: Cold, cold, really freaking cold.
March in Florida? Warm gulf breezes, sunshine on your shoulders, fresh grouper sandwiches . . . oh, and baseball!
After a long, baseball-free winter, who isn’t jonesing to see our Cincinnati Reds? Whether you slip this into your own Christmas stocking or share the trip with a friend or loved one, don’t miss this last season of Redlegs spring training in Sarasota.
“Tired old Ed Smith Stadium,” as Marty Brennaman frequently calls the assuredly tired old joint, is admittedly a little–shall we say, rustic? But hey, I’m willing to overlook the sporadically functional plumbing for a few days in the sun with other diehard baseball fans. The crowd at The Ed is great–everyone is chatty and happy to be there, the grounds crew does a little routine to YMCA and the feeling of baseball hopefulness permeates the air.
A few days on the west coast of Florida watching the Reds get ready for a new season is a great time. The players are relaxed and friendly, and it’s the best time of the season to get autographs and pictures. After their own winter’s respite, the players seem happy to be around fans and the game. You’ll also see them in the local restaurants and bars at night in a far more casual appearance than we are accustomed.
With all this information in hand, here is your guide for a junket to Sarasota:
The Games
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll base the trip in Sarasota, even though there aren’t a lot of consecutive home games in this season’s schedule. Last March I spent two nights in Sarasota and saw three games at The Ed; as the 2009 Reds schedule stands, there aren’t more than two home games on consecutive days.
But the Reds play close roadtrips against the Pirates in Bradenton, Phillies in Clearwater and Blue Jays in Dunedin. You can still fit in a round of golf or relaxing time on the beach before heading out to the games, most of which begin about 1 p.m. However, remember that home or away games against the Yankees and Red Sox tend to sell out fast so you definitely want to buy your tickets in advance.
Single-game tickets go on sale Jan. 24. The highest ticket price at The Ed is $18 for a box seat at a premium game. The lowest is $9 general admission and there is absolutely nothing wrong with sprawling in the bleachers, having a beer and working on your tan with the rest of the crowd.
You can also buy tickets as part of a bundle package. This is a good deal and by having your tickets in advance you can better schedule your trip for airfare, hotel and other activities.
Advice from veteran spring training goers: You’ll have far better ticket selection and up-close access to players, coaches and legendary Reds such as Dave Concepcion (photo, above) early in camp. But for warmer weather, time on the beach and other outdoor activities, wait until the last two weeks of March.
Ballpark (heh) Figures for Flights:
Travel websites are your friend and many times you can get a terrific discount on airfare, hotel and rental car by bundling the package. Flying into a regional airport such as Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) tends to be little more expensive and might require a stop or two along the way. You can usually save money and perhaps time by flying into Tampa (TPA) or Orlando (MCO) and driving that ragtop rental down the coast to Sarasota and blowing away the wintertime blues.
But shop around (now!) and be thinking at least three weeks in advance of departure for booking. Veteran spring training travelers know the best fares can go long before pitchers and catchers report in February. Airfarewatchdog.com shows USAirways round-trip flights from CVG to Tampa for $256, and to Sarasota for $305, with a 21-day advance purchase. The site also gives you tips on where to book your flight if your dates are flexible or inflexible.
Our pals on the West Coast can do even better: $225 from LAX to Tampa, and $245 to Sarasota. Check various travel sites and the airlines’ own sites, and hey, if you have some frequent-flyer miles just lying around, this is the perfect reason to cash them in.
Because CVG is the most expensive departure city in the country–thanks, Delta–more people in the Cincinnati area are flying out of Dayton. Good idea. Web specials from Dayton to Sarasota on AirTran.com start at about $123 one-way. If you can fly Southwest Airlines, the discount airliner usually has terrific fares for Florida destinations during the winter. For example, flying out of Columbus, Ohio, Louisville, Ky., or Indianapolis to Tampa can be as cheap as $69 non-stop one-way to Tampa.
Remember: Many airlines are now charging $15 per check-in bag each way. You will need to figure in that outrageous extra cost of fare gouging. And Florida has tourism taxes on hotels and rental cars that can also add up.
Where to Stay
Well, it depends. What’s your priority? Sarasota is considered a resort city so you’ll be pressed to find anything–anything at all–for less than $120 a night. The Sarasota beaches are gorgeous but the cost of a decent room near the waterfront hits $200-plus a night. This is where the idea of bundling your trip itinerary through one of the big travel websites might save you substantial money, especially for a stay of five or more nights.
There are many hotel websites such as hotels.com and cheaprooms.com for price and location comparisons. Personally, I like first-hand experience or recommendations from friends, so I won’t pretend to make broad suggestions here.
Are you indifferent about the thread count on your hotel sheets? Go the economy route and stay at the Days Inn Sarasota/Bradenton Airport, suggests LotD’s own DocProc. He’s a regular spring training traveler and says the Days Inn is a good, basic hotel. Rooms range from $85 to $110 per night and come with free breakfast at Chef Paul’s, where “the food is both cheap and good, and the waitresses call you ‘hon’,” says our source. There’s also free wireless internet.
Looking for a little more luxury? The Hotel Indigo (photo, above) in downtown Sarasota might be your choice. A boutique hotel, it’s crisp and clean, has its own bistro and lounge, and is extremely convenient to the stadium, although a bit pricier at $265-$300 per night.
Mr. R says the Helmsley Sandcastle ($209 per night) has been a frequent choice because of a gorgeous pool area and its own private beach (photo, right). I have a feeling that bug-eyed mascot isn’t talking about the landscape when he says he loves the optical workout scenery at the Helmsley.
Another recommendation is the Homewood Suites by Hilton ($177-$209 per night). Not only does this place have a very nice pool but many of the rooms have kitchenettes–not that anybody is thinking of cooking while on vacation. Nope. Just forget that idea. But still, a refrigerator and microwave can come in handy for late-night snacking and early-morning drinking.
The Alternative
Like most of Florida, Sarasota is suffering a real estate meltdown and there are many opportunities to rent a condo at a great price. Check out rental listings from local Realtors, whose license gives you substantial consumer protection against fraud and deceptive rental practices. Avoid dealing with an individual owner unless you know the person or know someone who has dealt with the owner in prior rental agreements. A weekly rental on or near a beach can usually be found for around $800.
Oh, the Food!
Florida Gulf Coast fare is fairly spectacular because of the mixture of foods and cultures. Yes, you can get some absolutely great seafood but there is also an awesome selection of Mexican, Cuban, Asian and Key West-style restaurants, along with some local mom-and-pop favorites.
Take in the shops and sights of St. Armand’s Circle and dine at the Columbia (photo, right), a Cuban and Spanish restaurant that comes highly recommended by LotD’s own C. Trent Rosecrans, who says the white chocolate bread pudding, among other menu favorites, may be the best thing he’s ever had.
Ophelia’s on Siesta Key is known for its excellent seafood dishes and awesome wine list. Da Ru Ma is a unique Japanese/Teppen-style place with tableside cooking and fresh meat and seafood combinations. Try the seaweed salad. Moore’s Stone Crab on Longboat Key specializes in locally caught oysters, great prices and has a terrific view of the mangrove islands.
The Bijou Café on 1st Street is a local favorite where the grouper sandwich draws rave reviews, but don’t overlook the varied Continental selection such as homemade ravioli and filet mignon Parisienne, plus a vast South African wine selection. Spectacular outdoor seating atmosphere.
If you’re looking for dining options closer to The Ed, walk across the street to Gus’ 12th Street Cafe. A favorite haunt of visiting media and locals, especially for breakfast (photo, right), Gus offers inexpensive but good-quality fare. The soup changes daily, but Trent says you can hope to be there on split-pea soup day. Also down the Street from the ballpark is Morel, which has great smoked Atlantic salmon, but has an even better $17 early-bird menu from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
DocProc recommends grabbing a pizza and shooting some pool at local favorite Rico’s across the street from his hotel. Take a bit of a drive for a burger at local fave the Hob Nob Drive-In, or head out to the much-discussed Five Guys chain for burgers and fries, only about 15 minutes from The Ed. I can’t believe I didn’t do that when I was there last March.
Things to Do
While most Reds fans consider ballgames the centerpiece of their spring training trip, Sarasota has a lot to offer a tourist beyond spring training. The beaches are gorgeous, the golf, water sports and fishing excellent, and the element of palm trees, sunshine and outdoor dining are sooooooo relaxing after a winter of cold, snow and blustering misery.
My favorite part of Sarasota (other than the games, of course) is the drive up Longboat Key–a scenic, relaxing atmosphere with lots of interesting-looking places to shop and dine. I visited the Beach House (which is actually in Bradenton Beach), and I can’t find enough good things to say about the beautiful view . . . great place to watch the sunset and high-quality food and drink at a good price.
The key to a great spring training trip is to make plans around the before-and-after of the game. Consider an early morning trip to the beaches such as Venice, Lido, Siesta, Manasota or Casey keys. Or, take a day and explore the islands for nature hikes, kayaking, Mayakka River tours and great Dixieland music at Snook Haven (photo, right) and Jelks Preserve. And be sure to sample the bites of fried alligator tail at the breezy Snook Haven Restaurant and enjoy the lore of Johnny Weismuller and the killer turtles.
There’s also the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota Classic Car Museum and Sarasota Jungle Gardens–all worthy stops for half-day or rainy-day attractions. DocProc says another fun and cheap attraction is the dog races at the Sarasota Kennel Club, where a certain grumpy mascot claims trying to handicap the “poodles” is no different than lighting a torch to very good money.
Spring training starts Feb. 26 and ends April 2. Go ahead, treat yourself to a great destination site before the Reds more to Arizona in 2010. Merry Christmas!
(Editor’s Note: Another awesome job by blog goddess Amy Ryan, and an immense thank-you to her, Donkey Dizzle Riley, Va.RedsFan Everett and all the emails and commentators who made suggestions and contributions for this long, in-depth series. Rest assured, we’ll never do this again!)
–30–
Reds Gift Guide 2008: 10 Oddball Things
Tenth in a Series
In the process of researching and writing this series, we have come across so many great items that we couldn’t come close to slotting all of them into one of the prior themes. Many times we just ran out of space. Other times we figured to plug the item elsewhere.
Welcome to Elsewhere.
Now, as the holidays fast approach and the series winds down, here are 10 of the more interesting, if not curious, gift ideas still unmentioned. Many of these items can be found at stores around the Cincinnati area. Some will have to be purchased online and probably can’t arrive in time for Christmas.
But you get the idea of the, uh, idea. Perhaps some of these can be remembered for a birthday, anniversary or Father’s or Mother’s days.
Pete Rose Rookie Card
Of all the Reds cards over the past and present, the experts at Professional Sports Authenticators say that Rose’s 1963 Topps #537 rookie is the card all true Reds fans should own. Yes, the price is getting up there ($900 book value) but the casual fan doesn’t need the razor-sharp edges, perfect centering and high color quality that has earned the card up to $20,000 for some of the best graded versions. You just want the card. You can find a perfectly acceptable quality for less than $400 at a local dealer or eBay. PSA also suggests buying the Johnny Bench and Tony Perez rookie cards because they are experiencing a market dip these days, and keep an eye on the 1940 Reds team issue of 35 postcards ($500 and stable); pick up the stadium giveaway Kahn’s Reds cards, which date to 1955; and, of course, the 1919-20 Reds postcards set of 24, now at about $75 each. For more modern interests, the 2008 SP Authentic includes autographed rookie cards of Jay Bruce ($40), Joey Votto ($20), Johnny Cueto ($20) and Paul Janish ($15).
Redlegs M&M Candies
Super idea and really popular among sports fans, get your custom Redlegs M&Ms. You realize they’re trying to kill us with these red M&Ms. In 1976, Red was removed from the bag because of concerns about the red dye. Now he’s back and comes with a really cool Mr. Redlegs logo and one with the traditional wishbone C, along with a white C. You can buy ‘em by the bag ($12.99), 5-pound box ($140), or the cool team dispenser with three 7-ounce bags, which is the best value ($59.99).
Reds Coffee Mugs
Simple, stated and perfect for the quick gift. You can find Reds coffee mugs at many stores around the Cincinnati area. There’s a great selection of styles and some really attractive mugs. Personal fav is the 15-ounce black ceramic model ($20.89 for two, photo). Also very cool is the 2-piece Gameball set ($24.95) with the baseball stitch look. Or, get one of the above mugs with a stainless steel travel mug ($29.95). Can’t go wrong with the old-school crest logo model ($9.95). Need multiple mugs? Check out this liquidation sale for a case!
Mitchell & Ness Products
Big fan of the Mitchell & Ness style and quality, not so much the price. But this is a good time of year for catching sale items and there are some awesome Reds apparel and pennants, including this embroidered fleece jacket ($60), gorgeous white warmup jacket with satin lining ($90, photo right), and long sleeve tee ($36). M&N’s felt pennants ($20) are serious high quality and its throwback jerseys ($200) are just like the players wore. Great stuff.
Reds Leather Travel Bag
Of the hundreds of items we looked through for this series this awesome Carriage House Italian leather Reds travel bag is the one item I wish for. A padded handle and shoulder strap make carrying comfortable and easy, the zippered pockets inside and out make storage a snap, and the embossed Reds logo on the bag and luggage tag add an extra touch of style. I really, really want this bag. Price: $300. Of course, last year I really, really wanted this bag made from glove leather by Rawlings, but Santa left a really nasty note about my yearlong deficiencies and then ate all the @#$&*! cookies.
Redlegs Plush Bears
I dunno. Maybe it’s the season, but of all the plush items out there this homely looking dancing bear (right) struck me as the perfect huggable for a young, future Reds fan. Standing 13 floppy inches, he comes with a voice chip that yells such phrases as “Dusty Must Go!,” “On-Base Percentage Is Not You Grandpa’s Stat!” and “Whaddya Mean There’s No More $1 Hot Dogs?” You know, to get the kid on the right track to Reds fandom. Price: $29.95
On the subject of plush, Reds collectors should not overlook the line of high-end bears made by Cooperstown Bears. These items have amazing value escalation because of their extreme quality and limited numbers. The sold-out 1869 Red Stockings Bear originally priced at $140 in 1998 is now at $350 and rising. Look for a 1956 Reds bear ($190) and a 1951 model ($140), both of which are still available.
Reds Pro-Grip Calculator
You didn’t think I’d forget the stat geeks? It’s the holidays, for crying outloud, and nerds deserve a hearty good cheer, too. Even if they are so stupid as to think OPS is a measure for shortstops. Or every batting order slot requires high OBP. This eight-digit Reds calculator is a nice complement for their number crunching. Comes with team logo and molded side grip so they can literally get a grip the next time someone older, wiser and far grumpier yells, “dope smokers!” Price: $15.97
Reds Mini Fridges
Yep, there’s more than one. Who knew there were mini and mini-me fridges? Made by Boelter, these popular yet gaudy team-style fridges are perfect for game rooms or the home office. The portable mini-me Reds fridge ($249) holds 24 cans and can be plugged into your car’s DC socket. Grab it by the handle slot and go! The more standard mini fridge (right) holds 84 cans and comes with auto defrost and shelves ($399). You probably want to leave this one stationary; it weighs 100 pounds.
Reds Garden Gnome
Okay, something has to work, right? Eight straight losing seasons call for desperate measures and the Reds garden gnome is our salvation. You smirk? One of my friends has a goose ornament he puts in his front yard for the biggest games and dresses him in black-and-gold garb, alas the “Steelers Goose.” Seems to work out just fine. We need a Reds garden gnome. Get yours before the 2009 season. Price: $24.95
MLB Gift Card
Run out of time, run out of ideas? Why wonder and ponder what to buy the baseball fan? Go by the Reds gift shop or online at MLB.com and grab the MLB Gift Card. Available in denominations of $100-$250, the gift card can be used to make online merchandise purchases at reds.com or shop.mlb.com. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include Reds single-game tickets just yet but is expected to be available by the start of the season.
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Random Fandom
Ninth in a Series
By Donkey Dizzle
Staff Livestock
So I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to bring to the masses the craziest, wackiest, must-have Reds items for all of you lunatic fans such as myself. If you’re anything like me, you like to collect off-the-wall items that normal folk would never consider. So I’ve amassed a list of Christmas gift ideas for all you people way out there in left field with me.
Th term “oddball collector” can have several meanings. For example, it might be the fan who collects things such as the camouflage jerseys and straw hats the Reds gave away at the stadium this past season. Or, it might be someone who relishes in finding an old advertising piece such as a Reds piggybank. Or, oddball might be the fan who just likes the outlandish, like a jersey for your dog, and so forth.
A few simple Internet searches will bring up anything from Reds poker chips to neck ties to popcorn machines. There are hundreds of Reds items. Here are some of the more unique, flamboyant, and outright dizzlish Reds trinkets you can decorate your clubhouse with!
Come back with me, back to a Friday afternoon sometime during the dog days of summer, just as that clock is about to hit five. . . .
At the Office
What’s this? The clock just hit five! And this isn’t any normal clock, this is your rockin’, totally awesome Reds clock for your cubicle wall, showing the evolution of the Reds’ jerseys! So you throw your pen into your Reds pencil holder, straighten up your business cards, grab that grocery list off your Reds memo pad, snatch your Redlegs-keychained keys, and bolt for the door. Big game tonight. Gotta get snacks. . . . Wait! Don’t forget to wash out your Redlegs soup/coffee thermos. That brother will stink like pigs by tomorrow morning.
For Your Redlegsmobile
You gotta ride in style. What better way to flash your team spirit on your way out of the parking lot than dressing up your Pinto with these items? Here’s the always impressive set of floor mats (p.s.–don’t put your nappy hoofs on my mats unless they are clean). Every fan must have the license plate frame – it’s just a necessity. Don’t forget the splash guards; you gotta keep that shiny red paint clean with these bad boys. And just to complete your car makeover, grab the car magnet, spare tire cover, rear window decals, and steering wheel cover. Once you’ve pimped out your ride in all of this gear, you’ll be riding redder than yee, haw, whoo.
Safe at Home
So, you’re bug-eyed from a long day at work but auto pilot guides you home thanks to your own personal landmark: the Redlegs mailbox. You are greeted by Fido (or Gapper–one furball for another) and reminded to fill his Redlegs dog dish, after which you go straight to your game-viewing room, where the mood is set right away by having Great American Ball Park plastered all over your wall. This monster 8-by-12-foot mural makes you feel like you’re at the ballpark everyday without leaving your domain. To fully complement your mural, you’ll definitely need the Reds carpet floor tiles! These will make your room reek of Redlegs fandom. I’m sure the spouse won’t mind a bit. No sirree, not at all. If she does, point to the championship banner you have hanging in the ceiling. What’s missing? Eight . . . teen . . . long . . . years. Play the sympathy card.
Now that we have the walls and floors covered, we need to start accessorizing. Here’s a few more must-have items to complete the makeover:
This gorgeous Reds mantel clock will help you stay on schedule for the night’s game. I’d be rocking baby Donk to sleep every night in the warm glow of this classic Tiffany-style lantern. Then, sit back, relax, and watch your Reds in HD from this kickass leather recliner complete with cup holders. Obviously you will have a drink poured into your crystal pilsner glass from your Reds beer tap on that quarter-keg. Some may say it’s over the edge; I say we’re just getting started!
Did Someone Say Barbecue?
Once you’ve entertained your friends long enough in the clubhouse, you’ll need some outdoor gear to chill in while those burgers and hot dogs are being grilled. Any good grillmaster will have his fantastic Redlegs apron–it’ll keep your Reds jersey of choice clean while grilling away. Of course, you’ll need the right grill. Gas, charcoal, tabletop, kettle–that doesn’t matter. But you’ll need a grill that shows your loyalty and this Kenmore 3-burner red beauty from Sears also gets Mr. R’s stamp of approval. Or at least, from his neighbor the BBQ King. Good enough.
Depending on your taste, you might need some official Reds hot sauce or an assortment of rubs, seasonings, barbecue or steak sauces from Hot Sauce Harry’s. While you’re flipping those burgers, make sure to keep your fruity beer cool in this stellar kaddy. And of course, you’ll need the proper utensils for grilling. Once you’ve lathered that dog up good in mustard and you’ve got your fruity beer of choice koozied up, take a seat in this bad boy chair and enjoy listening to Marty on the radio!
For You Super Fans. . . .
Here’s a little list of completely off-the-wall, outta-left-field, no-one-else-will-ever-have-’em items:
1.) Reds Helmet Mouse – for all your blogging needs!
2.) Reds 9-Ball Billiard Set – I mean really, who else would have Reds pool balls!? Who has the balls to pay this much for them cajones?
3.) Reds Bridal Garter – Seriously, for all of you soon-to-be-married fans out there, get your lady to wear this and you know she really loves you. Too bad I didn’t see this before I got married, I would’ve been all over it. You must get this.
4.) Reds Hammer and Toolbelt – My personal favorite! There are so many uses for such items. You can hammer nails, remove nails, and when the Reds lose that game after blowing another lead, you can even chuck this bad boy at the TV.
5.) For Little Reds Fans – All your children should be wearing this . . . daily.
I hope you enjoyed our imaginary trip back to the summer months that are filled with nothing but baseball, good times, and good friends. If I had unlimited funds, my place would be fully furnished and decorated with all of these wonderful items. Of course, one day, my wish will be fulfilled and I will be living in the Land of Redlegs.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Editor’s Note: A collective hee-haw for a fun and funny segment of this series by The Donk, the standard by which wacky Reds fans are measured.
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Gifts for Her
Eighth in a Series
By Amy
Staff Mom and Blog Goddess
Hey everybody, I’m back with another installment of Mr. Redlegs’ holiday gift guide series for Reds fans, “Gifts for Her.” I have to say, this segment was so much fun to research, but it may cost me–big time. It’s amazing how much stuff is out there just for female fans. I want a lot of things from this list.
Jewelry, clothing, accessories–you can find merchandise ranging from funky to understated–for Reds fans of varied tastes. The overall selection of “Gifts for Her” might even be the most appealing day of the entire “12 Days” series!
So pay attention, all of you Santas out there: there’s plenty of great ideas to put something Red under your tree this Christmas!!
Best. Gift. Ever.
For two years now, my husband has treated me to what I do seriously consider one of the best gifts I’ve ever received: Diamond Seats (photo, right), a fireworks night game, and a night at the Hilton Netherland Plaza. Some of you may remember my LotD blog description of last summer’s game–well, here’s the condensed version:
The food is superb, the seats are beyond compare, and you just never know who you might run into waiting for the elevator. As for the hotel, I know the trendy place to be is across the river, but if you like a hotel with a bit more history and character, the Netherland Plaza is the place to be. I could rave on about the art deco style, the woodwork, the small details, but this site does it for me. Trust me, you can’t go wrong giving this to your Reds girl!! Prices: Diamond Seats, $225 per seat; hotel room, $99-$300 per night.
Loaf of Bread, Jug of Wine . . . Oh, Just Hold the Bread
For the wine lover in your life, I suggest the Cincinnati Reds wine glasses. Pair the classic tulip-shaped glasses with a bottle of her favorite wine, delivered in a Reds-logoed red velvet wine bag. Want to go even more Red? Make the wine a Longball Cellars charity vintage featuring Ken Griffey, Jr. (Cabernet Sauvignon), Barry Larkin (Merlot) or Homer Bailey (Chardonnay). Glasses: $32.99; wine bag: $9.95; charity wines: $13.99 per bottle.
Sparkly Stuff
I had no idea there was so much Reds jewelry out there–everything from your gaudier gameday gear like a funky beaded bracelet and Mardi-Gras-style beads with Reds medallion, to your much pricier 14k and sterling items. Really, it’s kind of sad that the only Reds jewelry I own is one small pair of dangle earrings (ahem!). I didn’t realize that Alyssa Milano’s “Touch” line included jewelry–this charm bracelet is a lot of fun. Here are some nice, classic pieces: a wishbone C pendant in various sizes, in both sterling, 10k and 14k gold (photo, right)–these go beyond gameday-only wear; these can be everyday jewelry. Browse fansedge.com for the best selection of sterling and gold pieces, including Mr. R’s personal fave, the wishbone C toe ring. Prices: beaded bracelet, $6.95; beads with medallion, $8; dangle earrings, $6.95; charm bracelet, $15.95; sterling pendant, $38; gold pendant, $92-$176; toe ring, $40-$188.
Redlegs Hat Society
Okay, I have to ask: Why do 95 percent of the ladies’ versions of Reds hats have to be pink? If you like that sort of thing, there’s a lot of it out there, but I prefer the more traditional colors–although I still love my green Reds hat from the St. Patrick’s Day game in Sarasota. Since it is winter, and sadly, it will stay that way for several more months, you might like a warmer knit hat like this cabled version. As far as baseball caps, the classic look is wonderful, but sometimes we like something just a little bit different from everyone else . . . I think this khaki hat with a red wishbone C (photo, above) fills that requirement nicely. It’s a men’s hat, yes, but it’s adjustable. Or how about a visor? This one’s nice and simple, unlike most of the other hats at this website! Prices: Cabled hat, $16.99; khaki hat, $16; visor, $16.99.
Reds Footwear
Show some team spirit from the ground up! You knew this was coming–the (in)famously lucky Reds Crocs, right? And now, also from Crocs, snazzy black Reds flipflops–excellent baseball-season footwear. Going with your running shoes instead? Add some Reds ankle socks. Oh, and if your gal is both Reds fan and golfer, these golf shoes from FootJoy are perfect (I’m guessing the guys might really enjoy these, too). They almost make me want to take up golf. Almost. They’re that cute. Prices: Crocs, $34.99; socks, $7.95; golf shoes, $129.95-$149.95
Reds Reusable Shopping Bags
Reduce, reuse, recycle–get with the program, people! These Reds shopping bags are infinitely cooler than the ones you can buy at the grocery store. Sure, you can fill them up with fresh produce, but I use them for many other purposes–trips to Grandma’s house, taking supplies to Scout meetings, buying all the stuff you see here–perfect mom gear. You know what else they’d be great for? Carrying your gameday supplies–camera, sunscreen, rain gear–you’ll be surprised how much one of these environmentally friendly bags hold. Set of six shopping bags: $23.95
A Fan’s Loyal Friend
Mr. Amy travels–a lot–and with managing the kids, their activities and the house, it’s enough to drive a woman to drink. Sadly, I have a cardinal rule about not drinking when I’m the only adult home, even when the bullpen blows a lead or E5E5 butchers an easy toss to first. But if I were ever to consider breaking my rule, I’d have this attractive 6-ounce Redlegs flask cocked and loaded. Comes with a nice metal logo and can be engraved. Price: $39.95-$42.95.
I Want All of These, Thanks!
There was an unfortunate laundry incident with my favorite Reds t-shirt this fall. And now the only player whose jersey I owned has been traded. I am in serious need of some new Reds garb. Let’s go! Pajamas, definitely: drawstring pants and a tank. Hey, look, there’s a cool hoodie from Alyssa Milano’s line (right) that doesn’t look like you need to be a size 0 to wear! And this crew neck t-shirt (below, right) is my pick to replace the tee from that laundry incident–love the embroidered striped sleeves. Or maybe this Mr. Redlegs ringer tee.
Footballfanatics.com has a vast collection of women’s clothes and they still have that great shipping deal as well–$4.99 for any size order. I’ve not found this particular women’s jersey anywhere else–love it! And they have the best selection of long-sleeved tees–if you live in the frozen tundra of Ohio like I do, you’ll get more wear out of these than the short-sleeved versions.
Another great idea for a Reds fan this time of year? A jacket. Here’s a very nice mid-weight microfiber, microfleece number–looks pretty cozy. Also can’t go wrong with a simple Reds zip-up fleece with half-mock collar. Prices: drawstring pants, $21.99; tank, $21.99; touch hoodie, $44.99; striped-sleeve tee, $34.99; ringer tee, $22; Jersey, $50; long-sleeved thermal tee, $21.95; microfiber jacket, $89.99; fleece jacket, $74.99.
And Finally . . . the Official Scent for Hypnotizing Male Fans
We all know Mr. Redlegs has his weaknesses: a pulled-pork sandwich, fruity beer, a lively war of words with dope-smoking bloggers. Well, Mr. R. has made another confession. To him, there is no better fragrance for women than “Red” from Giorgio. Quoth he: “This classic floral-oriental fragrance has been hypnotizing male suitors and interlopers for almost 20 years.” Its impact on leather-headed mascots? He’s waxing his mustache and firing up the Victrola as we speak. Price: ranges from about $16 for tester spray to $50 for 3-ounce bottle; 4-piece gift packs range from $65 to $100.
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Ornaments and Decorations
Seventh in a Series
It’s that time of year when many people are putting up their Christmas tree and if you are a Reds fan you simply must show the spirit of the season–preferably with egg nog. There is an amazing legacy of Redlegs ornaments and decorations going back to the early 20th century. You might see some of these things at an antiques shop, yard sale, flea market and sometimes eBay. The Reds used to produce an annual ornament but that appears to have stopped around 2000.
Meanwhile, there’s a bevy of licensed product out there. Some of it is very nice, some of it is licensed junk. And some of it is not licensed at all. I found a candlemaker who specialized in very attractive team-themed candles, but no longer offers these items. I believe the MLB Properties police paid her a visit.
As a mascot of sensitivity and awareness, I believe we need an official Cincinnati Reds Holiday Candle. This year’s scent could be “Dope,” for all the hallucinating people who think Ramon Hernandez and Juan Rivera lift you from fifth place to contention. Otherwise, here’s a look at some of the ornaments, decorations and other holiday items for your home:
Reds Stockings (har)
No yuletide fireplace would be complete without a Reds stocking hanging for each member of the family. There’s no shortage of selection as a new style comes out each year. The favorite this year is a set for the kiddies by AWM, a snowman and Santa stocking, each 22 inches long (right). For simple and understated, try this logo stocking from Willowford. For busy and overstated try this one. This Reds Santa door sack is pretty cool, too. And for something fluffy and huggable, like a mascot, check out this 22-inch Reds Santa pillow. Squeeze it real hard and it will cuss the cherished mantra at you: “dope smokers!”
Reds Ballparks Musical Snow Globes
It’s winter, it’s seasonal, so it’s reasonable to include snow globes such as these depictions of Crosley Field, Riverfront Stadium (I’ll never call it Cinergy–never!) and Great American Ball Park. The 6-by-4.5-inch globes sitting on a wood base spin confetti around the stadium. Tap the globe and it plays “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Ask the globe a question, tap quickly three times, the confetti stirs and it makes a Reds prediction like the old Magic 8 Ball game. Nice display piece. Price: on sale for $39.95 each at sportsgifts.com
Santa Himo Cap and Stocking
The myriad of products from Forever Collectibles include a colorblock Santa cap and fireplace stocking. The washable plush cap has the Reds logo and name embroidered. They say it fits all sizes, but looking at my bulbous size 33 3/4 noggin’ I am very skeptical. The cap has embroidered mistletoe and can be found at mlb.com. The matching stocking stands 17 inches tall and can holds lots of stuff, such as diamond seats and bottles of barbecue sauce. This can also be found at mlb.com but prices vary, especially on eBay.
Redlegs Ornaments and Wreaths from Scottish Christmas
A diverse line of holiday ornaments for the house from Scottish Christmas that include very nice glass baseballs with Reds logos, a glass Reds cap decoration, three different Snowflake Friends snowmen, a wintertime Reds nightlight and a 20-inch Redlegs snowman wreath. Prices range from $18-$35 but you can probably do better price-wise by shopping around a little.
Memory Company Figurines and Ornaments
High-quality cold cast resin products have long been a staple of this collectibles company and they offer some very attractive Reds holiday products. I like the three decorative Santa-themed figurines: Santa’s Friend, Santa’s Gift, and Reds Classic Santa. These figures cost about $40 each but shop around and you’ll likely find them for $35 or less. You can also buy these figurines as smaller gift ornaments for your tree. Price: About $16. Ms. R also likes this “Home Sweet Home” tree ornament. So do a lot of people. This can be a little hard to find. Cost: $17-$27
Redlegs Tree Skirt
You edit a 12-part holiday gift guide series and you think you’ve seen just about everything until you stumble across the Redlegs tree skirt. Measuring 48 inches in diameter and featuring the team logo, this idea is empowered by the fact the Reds team colors are red and this is the holiday season. Afterward you can use the skirt for practicing your golf pitches in the house. Price: $44.95 at sportsfanfare.com.
Rose, Morgan, Bench, Griffey Jr. Ornaments
A hard item to pin down but we know these 4-inch plastic ornaments of Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose and Ken Griffey Jr. were produced earlier this decade by the Tree-mendous Co. as part of a series of baseball, football and hockey greats. There’s also a Roberto Clemente, Vince Lombardi and Stanley Cup ornament, but I really dig the Don Maynard piece. Price: $4-$10 on eBay.
Candy Cane Ornament Set
Six plastic candy cane ornaments decorated in Reds colors and logos, measuring 5 inches high. Now, these are fine and dandy, but why can’t they be real candy canes? If they can put a Reds logo on M&Ms, they can make an edible candy cane ornament, eh? Price: $13.99 at overstock.com
And Finally. . . .
No Christmas tree would be complete without an ornament that fully expresses the hunger, passion and priorities of Reds fans and bloggers everywhere. A true symbol of love and devotion.
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Bobbleheads and Figurines
Sixth in a Series
Since 1999, when bobbleheads first become the big marketing gimmick for sporting events, the genre of figurines and statues has taken off to another level, which is pretty amazing because they went completely bonkers in the early 1990s with new and collectible product.
But the idea of figurines has been around since the 1950s. Many of these pieces are rare and expensive and yet many more are “created collectibles”–items purposefully made to be limited in numbers to drive consumer interest and high re-sale value. Of course, the best items were simply made to be bought and enjoyed, like the 1960s paper mâché bobbers, which originally sold in stadiums for $2.95.
Today there’s so much product to choose from that I had to be choosy on what to include here. Any randon Internet or eBay search of “Cincinnati Reds figure” will produce a trove of items; there’s no way to list even all the ones that are interesting. It also gets confusing deciding among the early bobbers–do I buy the rare red-base version, or the white-, gold- or green-base models? Instead, I stuck with two that are highly collectible and/or price friendly.
I also avoided several products that have Reds representation–bobbleheads from Sports, Accessories and Memorabilia (SAM), Salvino figurines, several toy products, and most SGA stadium giveaways. Salvinos can be difficult to find, the stadium giveaways are plentiful and the SAMs, while limited, pricey and a little difficult to find, hold no resemblance to the players whatsoever (above, right). Duh.
(On the subject of vintage bobbleheads, please be aware there are condition requirements and several questions about repairs/restoration that are critical to the price. If you’re buying an older bobber, you are welcome to email me and I’ll give you some tips on what to ask the seller about hairline fractures of the bobble, replaced decals and paint restoration.)
Here are some gift ideas for figures that I believe most Reds fans would enjoy:
1963-’65 Black-Faced Bobber
The rarest of the rare as this series, an offshoot of the more common green-based white-faced bobbers, features the doll as a black athlete. The black-face pieces were made in much smaller quantities (believed to be 5,000) in great part because of the racial climate of the times; no one knew how they would sell. Some, such as the Houston Colt 45s bobber, have sold for as much as $11,000 at auction. The black-face pieces come in two styles–happy face and the more preferred serious face. The Reds dolls routinely sell for $800- $2,000, depending on condition. A great, great piece.
1963-’65 Green-Base Bobber
This gorgeous Mr. Redlegs version sits on a rounded green base made with a better quality and more durable paper mâché than his older siblings. He’s also the most plentiful of the early nodders thus less expensive and more popular. This model is also the last to have the team name painted on the jersey chest; most use a decal thereafter. If there is one bobber to buy for a gift, this is the likely choice–vintage, collectible, attractive, reasonable value. Price: $85-$200, depending on condition. Original box adds about $15 value.
2006 Kroger Big Red Machine Set
Offered at Cincinnati-Dayton Kroger stores as a set of 10 bobbleheads and issued at 10,000 each, this series sold out fast and has decent market demand. There are five boxes containing two bobbers each: Sparky and Bench, Perez and Morgan, Rose and Griffey, Foster and Concepcion, Brennaman and Geronimo. Rose is wearing Reds logos on a product for one of the few times since his banishment. The Reds were persistent with MLB Properties that 100 percent of proceeds were for a charity and Properties finally agreed to this rare exception. Price: around $70 per set; individual box prices vary.
Hartland Classics Johnny Bench
Issued in the 1990s, these plastic figures with a careful attention to pose and facial likeness reintroduced the classic original Hartlands of 1958-’62 that young fans adored. While not as popular or valuable as the first series, a few more modern players were included, Bench among them. Very nice pose, improved and heavier plastic from the originals, good value. Getting the box in mint condition is important. Price: $22.50 at Romito.com
Danbury Mint Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Ken Griffey Jr. Statues
You will be hard-pressed to find a better quality, likeness and value for a player statue/figure than the Danbury Mint offerings of Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Ken Griffey Jr. The terrific poses were crafted from meticulous study of photos and the 8-inch figures sit on a solid wood base and come with a facsimile autograph and inscribed brass title plate. Price: $87 each at Danbury Mint.
Johnny Bench and Pete Rose Gartlan Figures
Founded in 1985, the popular Gartlan line of fine cold cast porcelain figures sitting on a wood base led off with an 8-inch Pete Rose autographed model (right) limited to 4,192 pieces–the number of hits to become the all-time hits king. Price: around $850. Johnny Bench’s 1989 figure in catching gear commemorates his induction to the Hall of Fame. Limited to 1,989 pieces, it costs around $300. An artist’s proof of this figure that also includes the artist’s autograph and limited to 250 pieces costs around $500. Each player has a 5-inch mini model issued to 10,000 pieces that can be found on the Internet for around $25 each. Very nice figures that have seen about a 60 percent value increase on the autographed line over the years.
Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall Bobblehead
Released in 2003, this tribute to Marty and Joe’s 30 years in the broadcast booth was an excellent idea for a stadium giveaway. There were 20,000 issued and you’ll occasionally see one of these signed by Marty and Joe. Buyer beware: the tiny microphones are prone to breaking, so make sure you inspect the item closely before buying. Price: around $15 in the box; $150 autographed.
1950s Gibbs-Conner Mr. Redlegs Figural Bank
Extremely rare with only a few are known to exist, this porcelain bank was part of a line of products by the Gibbs-Conner Co., a small Cleveland-based manufacturer of porcelain products such as ashtrays, toothpick holders, cookie jars, statuettes and coin banks. More Reds pieces exist, notably coin banks that often contained the name of a local bank that served as a giveaway for opening a new account. Sometimes you see these “oddball” items at flea markets, craft fairs and card shows. The figural coin bank and other cool ceramic items are available at Inside the Park Collectibles. Price: $225.
2000 SAM Ken Griffey Jr. Statue
Super rare piece as Sports, Accessories and Memorabilia was going out of business and made only 200 of these figures, of which 100 were signed. Some believe even fewer exist because of a fire that destroyed SAM’s warehouse as the company was folding. Made of high-quality ceramic and standing 18 inches high, this good likeness of Griffey weighs almost 15 pounds. Price: $179 at Bobbers Inc.
Starting Lineup Action Figurines
The plastic toy product created by former Bengals punter Pat McInally had a nice run from 1988-2001. There’s some great pieces–many available at close to retail cost; others way above–of the city’s most popular players, including an awesome figure of Pete Rose in a head-first slide, Paul O’Neill making a leaping catch, and an Eric Davis “rookie.” No Reds player was treated better by SLU than Barry Larkin, whose poses through the years include turning a double play, making a backhand grab, sprawling on a diving catch, swinging a bat and running the bases, among others. Go to eBay and use the keywords “Cincinnati Reds” and SLU or “Cincinnati Reds” Starting Lineup and you’ll find a terrific selection of a fun collectible and display. There’s even a Deion Sanders issue. Price: $5-$100.
Reds Desktop/Shelf Display
This may seem utterly ridiculous, but I like this simple team display from The Memory Company. With a resin logo and heavy metal base that looks like a baseball, this bold yet understated piece is perfect for displaying on a desktop or bookshelf. The Memory Company turns out nice team-oriented products suited for office use, including a Reds piggy bank you might like. Price for Reds Logo Display: $29.95.
“Warman’s Bobbing Head Field Guide”
Want a great stocking stuffer? Check out Lou Criscione’s guide to identification, values and history of the dolls. The 512-page, full-color guide features not only sports but non-sports, celebrity, cartoon, political, advertising and musician bobbers, too. There’s some awesome stuff here, including a Fidel Castro in a toilet, Medicine Man, the Beatles and Mr. Peanut. Most of this guide deals with vintage pieces, especially from the 1960s. Price: $10.39 or less at Amazon.com.
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