Opening Day Gallery
By
Zeldink
Posted at 3:38 pm
The RHM crew had a surprise offer a few days before the Reds’ Opening Day: a couple first-base side tickets right near the dugout to see the Reds try to beat the Cardinals. It was too amazing to turn down.
We arrived a couple hours before the stadium’s gates opened and headed to the Moerlein Lager House to enjoy the wonderful weather in the outdoor park adjacent to the restaurant.
The Great American Ball Park light stacks appear above the Moerlein Lager House.
A few Moerleins and Hudepohls later, we headed into the stadium and found our seats. They were excellent.
Cueto jogs to the dugout after warming up.
Votto crouches at first as the pitch is delivered.
Phillips walks to his position.
Votto holds on Wong at first.
Cueto checks the runner.
In no time, Johnny Cueto had his first strikeout, and the countdown to free pizza was on.
The first “K” of the season.
Hamilton steps in for his first at bat.
Phillips after reaching first base successfully.
Votto about to swing at the pitch.
Phillips leads off from first base.
Bruce points his bat to the pitcher.
Ludwick steps in for his first at bat of the season.
Frazier adjusts his batting gloves.
Pena is intentionally walked.
At some point, the scoreboard let us know that someone calling himself “The Hit King” was in attendance. I think it’s a reality TV star.
It’s Joel! Everyone’s favorite stat geek.
Hamilton is thrown out at first.
We took a trip around the stadium to see some of the new sites. And from left field, we could see how close our seats were to the action.
The tap handles at the new craft beer bar in Great American. It was a long walk and a long line, but I love the improved variety in bear at GABP this year.
Bruce leads off first base.
A brass band plays God Bless America.
Votto hands his batting gloves to Hatcher.
It looks like Joel got cold and had to put on a sweatshirt.
The final tally of Opening Day 2014.
After some Cincinnati chili at Camp Washington, it was time to head home. All in all, it was a wonderful time, and I am quite thankful for being offered the opportunity to attend. It was much better than the other opening day I attended, despite the Reds’ loss.