Even though the Cincinnati Reds finished 2017 with one of the worst records in Major League Baseball, at 68-94, fans filled Redsfest dreaming of the day the team will be back on top.
"I don't care. I never give up on them," says Martha Zimmerer who plans to go to just as many games next season as she did this year. The die hard fan from Springdale came to Redsfest with her mother.
Zimmerer recently redecorated her "Reds Room" at home. "It's got all kinds of bobbleheads. I've got quite a few Pete Rose pictures... and I even have a black tree with Reds ornaments."
The annual event at the Duke Energy Convention Center is a celebration of all things Reds. This year it features 32 major leaguers and more than 20 former players and coaches. In addition to getting player autographs and taking pictures, fans can ask questions and learn how to bat and field like a professional.
Kevin Cary picked up a stack of baseball cards to add to his collection. The North College Hill man, originally from Cleveland, says he missed the Big Red Machine days because he didn't move here until 1977 but has been a big fan ever since. He thinks the team just needs some better pitching.
"In the field, they play good defensively and they can hit the ball." He says that's true of almost all the major league clubs out there.
Carl Wooten drove down from Findlay, Ohio. He was pushing a cart because he couldn't carry all the stuff he brought. "Oh, I've got balls and a couple bats for the alumni to sign and Gold Glove balls and stuff like that."
Redsfest is open Friday until 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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