While perusing the 9/23 Final Plans diary a few days ago, I noticed a mention of the Hoxworth Blood Bank mascot, the blood drop.  Then, by a seemingly-unrelated coincidence, today I met up with an old friend from high school whom I haven't seen in a while.  We walked to a restaurant and chatted for a while, where I learned he was in a graduate program at UC med school.  After asking what I have been up to recently and hearing 'Reds games' as an answer, he mentioned that he is going to the game tomorrow, against the Cubs, right? but can't go with me, because he is going as a mascot.

The Hoxworth Blood Bank mascot.

Indeed, with my mouth agape, he confirmed that he is the famed blood drop, and will be playing whiffle ball on Mr. Red's team tomorrow at our team's hallowed ground.

So, to those of you attending the game in hopes of starting something with the Hoxworth Blood Drop, know that the man behind the "beady eyes" is none other than Shintaro Chiba.  And furthermore, should you engage him in a spat, (yes, I'm looking at you, Sukr,) have no doubt that he will revel in your roughhousing, and may even try to grab and/or hump you.  Just make sure you get his autograph at the appropriate time, and give him a slap in the face for ol' Gapper.