Reds Caravan kicks off tomorrow!

The annual Reds Caravan will kick off tomorrow, and chances are it’ll be coming to a city near you.

The Caravan has four separate legs, divided into the North, South, East, and West territories of the Reds viewing area, covering five different states and around 3,300 total miles. It’s a great opportunity for fans living outside of the greater Cincinnati area to catch a glimpse of current Reds players, the up-and-coming stars-to-be, and members of the Reds coaching staff and media.

North Tour

January 26th: Columbus, Ohio; Polaris Fashion Place - 7pm - 9pm EST
January 27th: Lima, Ohio; University of Northwestern Ohio - 5pm - 7:30pm EST
January 28th: Dayton, Ohio; National Museum of the US Air Force - 11am - 2pm EST
January 28th: Hamilton Ohio; Parrish Auditorium at Miami-Hamilton University - 3pm - 5:30pm EST

Guests include the one and only Marty Brennaman, if you live in North Central Ohio and care to share your thoughts on Joey Votto. You can also Reds RF Scott Schebler, minor league infielder Blake Trahan, former Red Dimitri Young, VP/Assistant general manager Nick Krall (a Red Reporter recommendation), FSO host Brian Giesenschlag, as well as the worst Reds mascot, Gapper.

Reds catcher/outfielder/designated hitter/alleged-hip-haver Devin Mesoraco will be in attendance during the Dayton appearance.

South Tour

January 26th: Louisville, KY; Louisville Slugger Field - 6pm - 8:30pm EST
January 27th: Nashville, TN; CoolSprings Galleria - 7pm - 9pm EST
January 28th: Bowling Green, KY; Greenwood Mall - 11am - 1pm EST
January 28th: Lexington, KY; Fayette Mall - 4:30pm - 6:30pm EST

The South tour includes broadcaster Jeff Piecoro and noted Red Reporter enthusiast Chris Welsh (excluding the Nashville, TN stop), manager Bryan Price, pitcher Tim Adleman (whom I forget so regularly I just typed Nick Adleman), Sloppy Sal Romano, along with Reds HOFer Tom Browning, senior director of player development Jeff Graupe, and mascot Mr. Red.

Louisville native Adam Duvall will join the crew in Louisville, KY, while Tennessee boy Zack Cozart will stop by the Nashville event. Lexington’s own Austin Kearns will be on hand in Lexington.

East Tour

On the Eastern front, the organization will bring along the Cowboy Jeff Brantley and, whatever the opposite nickname for Cowboy is in Jim Kelch. President of baseball operations Big Dick Daddy from Cincinnati Dick Williams will join, as well as Too Selsky for the 40-man Stone Cold Steve Selsky, new Reds reliever Drew Storen, and minor league catcher Chris Okey. Reds HOFer Eric Davis will be in attendance, as well as Ms. Rosie Red.

January 26th: Athens, Ohio; The Market on State - 6:30pm - 8:30pm EST
January 27th: Charleston, WV; Charleston Town Center - 6:30pm - 8:30pm EST
January 28th: Parkersburg, WV; Grand Central Mall - 10:30am - 12:30pm EST
January 28th: Ashland, KY; Fannin Motors - 3pm - 5:30pm EST

West Tour

When the Caravan heads into my neck of the woods, they’re bringing the heavy hitters. Walt Jocketty. Thom Brennaman. Jim Day. Hoosier native Tucker Barnhart. All of whom are, of course, overshadowed by the biggest name on the entire fucking tour. The one and only Corky Miller himself will be visiting the great state of Indiana this weekend. He’ll be accompanied by Shed Long, whom I believe Corky is bringing only so he can bench press him in front of several hundred Hoosiers; Reds COO Phil Castellini, and perhaps the only thing that can rival Corky’s facial hair: Mr. Redlegs himself.

January 26th: Muncie, IN; Stoops Automotive - 6pm - 8pm EST
January 27th: Evansville, IN; Eastland Mall - 8pm - 8pm EST
January 28th: Bloomington, IN; College Mall - 10am - 12pm EST
January 28th: Indianapolis, IN; Castleton Square Mall - 3pm - 5:00pm EST

Finale in Florence

The Caravan will converge at the Florence Mall in Florence, KY for the finale on Saturday, January 29th. Doors open at 9am. Marty, Jeff Piecoro, and Jim Kelch will host a Q&A from 11-noon, which I’m sure will be something else, followed by autographs with many of the aforementioned until 2pm.

So bring your friends, bring your families. It’s going to be quite a busy weekend for many members of the Reds organization this weekend.