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We Love Our Team

We Love Our Team

Written by: Randy Freking and Jack Greiner
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Join Jack Greiner and Randy Freking and their guests for a podcast devoted to the Cincinnati Reds. They will answer the existential question of why so many people love the Reds or as the song goes, why are so many people batty about Cincinnati? Our podcast will feature Reds fans from far and wide. Our guests will include well known people who are Reds fans, including authors who have written books about the Reds, celebrities who are long time Reds fans, social media Influencers, and other other personalities. GO REDS!

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Episodes
  • Season 6, Episode 8: BRM Member Darrel Chaney on Ernie Banks, the Big Red Machine, and a life in baseball

    Season 6, Episode 8: BRM Member Darrel Chaney on Ernie Banks, the Big Red Machine, and a life in baseball
    Oct 6 2026
    Send us Fan MailDarrel Chaney on Ernie Banks, the Big Red Machine, and a life in baseball:Randy Freking and Jack Greiner sit down with Darrel Chaney, a 1975 World Champion Cincinnati Reds infielder and former Braves broadcaster, for a wide-ranging conversation about fandom, mentorship, and the big moments that shaped his career. Chaney shares the childhood influence of Ernie Banks, his path from Hammond, Indiana to the Reds, and what it was like inside one of baseball’s most iconic eras.We discuss the players, managers, trades, and clubhouse memories that defined the Big Red Machine, plus Cheney’s favorite baseball movie, mascot, uniform, and the most unforgettable play he ever saw.Key topicsIn this episode, Darrel Chaney explains how watching Chicago Cubs games after school turned him into an Ernie Banks fan for life.He tells the story of meeting Ernie Banks at age 12, getting a signed program, and being told, “I’ll see you in the big leagues.”Chaney recalls his own high school football career, including being named a Parade All-American quarterback and weighing college football against pro baseball.He talks about being drafted by the Reds, choosing baseball, and playing alongside names like Gary Nolan, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and Dave Concepción.He shares how he found out he was traded to the Atlanta Braves and why leaving the 1975 Reds felt like falling off the roof of his house.Chaney picks Dave Bristol as his favorite manager, praising Bristol’s baseball knowledge, honesty, and leadership.He says the Reds should have kept Tony Perez, arguing that Tony was one of the heart and soul players who made the machine work.He names the Dodgers as the team he disliked most, and tells a memorable story about a dugout-clearing brawl with the Pirates.Chaney breaks down the adjustment from grass to astroturf and explains why the short hop became such an important defensive tool.He recalls the most amazing play he ever saw: Roberto Clemente’s ridiculous catch-and-throw at Forbes Field.He names The Natural as his favorite baseball movie, with Field of Dreams as a close second.He says the San Diego Chicken is his favorite mascot of all time, and calls the old Reds sleeveless pinstripes his favorite uniform.Timestamps(00:00) Introduction, World Series credentials, and why Darrel Chaney matters (02:14) How a childhood Cubs fan became obsessed with Ernie Banks (04:23) Meeting Ernie Banks at age 12 and hearing the “big leagues” promise (06:30) The autograph that followed him for years and the meaning of Banks’ influence (07:53) Facing Ernie Banks in the majors and the moment it came full circle (11:21) From fan to friend, plus years of reconnecting with Banks after baseball (13:12) Growing up with Cubs broadcasts and why that shaped his baseball path (14:04) Chaney’s three-sport high school career and Parade All-American football honor (16:23) Choosing Ball State, then getting drafted by the Reds (18:19) Favorite managers: Dave Bristol, Sparky Anderson, and Bobby Cox (22:47) The trade from the Reds to the Braves and how he found out (26:07) If he could reverse one Reds decision, it would be keeping Tony Perez (28:05) The player and team he disliked most: Billy Buckner and the Dodgers (29:42) The big Pirates brawl and the kind of baseball they played in that era (32:10) His Mount Rushmore of Reds legends and why the great teams took 25 players (35:31) The ideal dinner party guests: Pete Rose, Dave Bristol, Sparky Anderson, and Bobby Cox (39:19) The 9-11 memory he will never forget and the Braves’ 1995 championship (42:35) Riding in the 1975 Cincinnati parade after winning the World Series (43:44) Favorite baseball movies: The Natural, Field of Dreams, Trouble with the Curve, and Bull Durham (45:45) His walk-up song and the story behind the “Norton” nickname (48:05) Favorite Reds uniform and why the sleeveless pinstripes stood out (49:11) Adjusting to astroturf and learning to live with the bounce (53:48) The greatest play he ever saw: Roberto Clemente’s unreal defensive sequence (55:37) Pete Rose’s famous headfirst slide and the 1972 World Series ending (59:20) Best trade memories, including George Foster arriving in Cincinnati (61:40) Favorite mascot: the San Diego Chicken (62:30) Closing thanks and reflections on a baseball life well livedNotable quotes:“When you go to work, I want you to work hard. When you go to play, I want you to play hard. When you go to pray, I want you to pray hard.”Ernie Banks: “I’ll see you in the big leagues.”“I went from becoming a fan to becoming a friend of Ernie Banks.” Jack thanks the listeners
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Season 6, Episode 7: Dennis "Wildman" Walker and His Fanaticism About Pete, the Reds

    Season 6, Episode 7: Dennis "Wildman" Walker and His Fanaticism About Pete, the Reds
    Sep 29 2026

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    Summary

    In this episode, Dennis "Wildman" Walker shares his incredible journey from a Reds fan and baseball card collector to a radio personality known as Wildman. He recounts his wild adventures including living on a billboard, flying banners, and his colorful experiences in Cincinnati sports history. In this episode, Wildman, Randy and Jack delve into Cincinnati Reds history, memorable moments, and personal favorites, offering fans a rich tapestry of baseball insights and stories.

    Key Topics

    • Dennis Walker's journey from fan to radio personality
    • Living on a billboard for 61 days during a Reds game
    • Wildman’s wild adventures flying banners and protesting
    • Memories of Reds players and managers like Pete Rose and Johnny Temple
    • The story behind Wildman's nickname and radio career
    • His experiences with Cincinnati sports teams and events
    • The making of his book 'Wild Man: The Book'" and its sequel
    • Notable moments like the last Royals game and Nate Archibald's ride home Reds Hall of Fame and Legends
    • Memorable Reds Moments and Games
    • Favorite Reds Players and Trades
    • Ballpark Food and Mascots
    • Baseball Movies and Personal Stories

    Sound Bites

    • "He fired him the next day."
    • "Ted Giannolis is a genius."
    • "The Philly fanatic is hilarious."

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction to Wildman's Cincinnati Sports Journey

    00:05
    Introduction to Reds Legends and Stories

    02:16
    Early Memories and Love for Baseball

    04:10
    Meeting Johnny Temple and Reds Legends

    07:21
    Getting Started in Radio and the Wildman Nickname

    14:43
    Living on the Billboard for 61 Days

    20:32
    Protests, Banners, and the Pete Rose Banner Flight

    26:54
    Writing the Book 'Wild Man the Book' and Its Sequel

    32:17
    Decisions and Regrets in Reds History

    34:21
    Reds Players and Teams Wildman Dislikes

    37:15
    Wildman's Legacy and Final Thoughts

    37:24
    Reds Firing and Controversies

    38:04
    Favorite Reds Players and Hall of Fame Picks

    38:38
    Dream Dinner with Reds Legends and Celebrities

    39:34
    Reds Rookie of the Year and Player Development

    40:08
    Issues at Second Base and Team Weak Spots

    40:36
    Dream Reds Signings and Hall of Fame Aspirations

    41:13
    Favorite Reds Uniforms and Team Jerseys

    45:21
    Favorite Reds Backup Players and Bench Warmers

    45:57
    Memorable Visits to the Ballpark and Historic Moments

    49:44
    Pete Rose's Return and Reds History

    50:51
    Best Reds Trades and Trade Decisions

    52:26
    Hall of Fame and Reds Legends in the Hall

    54:35
    Favorite Reds Announcers and Broadcasters

    55:36
    Favorite Reds Mascots and Fan Engagement

    58:11
    Mascots and Team Identity in Baseball

    59:27
    Passion for Baseball and Reds Fandom

    01:00:23
    Reds Fan Stories and Personal Encounters

    Jack thanks the listeners
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Season 6, Episode 6: Rick Robinson, Author and Documentary Filmmaker of 1968

    Season 6, Episode 6: Rick Robinson, Author and Documentary Filmmaker of 1968
    Sep 22 2026

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    Summary-

    In this episode, Rick Robinson shares his lifelong passion for baseball, his experiences growing up as a Reds fan, and insights into the 1968 baseball season and its historical significance. He also discusses his recent book and documentary on 1968, highlighting its impact on American history.

    Rick Robinson shares his deep love for Cincinnati Reds baseball, memorable moments, and insights into the game, players, and history. Join us for a lively conversation filled with personal stories, favorite players, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that celebrate the spirit of Reds baseball.

    Key Topics

    • Growing up as a Reds fan in Ludlow and Bromley
    • Lessons learned from Veda Pinson and Sparky Anderson
    • The significance of the 1968 baseball season
    • Rick Robinson's book and documentary on 1968
    • Memories of Crosley Field and player autographs
    • The evolution of ballparks and player-warmup traditions
    • Favorite Reds players and managers
    • Historical moments like the Tommy Smith Black Power salute
    • Trade stories and Reds legends
    • Reflections on baseball's cultural impact Memorable Reds moments and personal stories
    • Favorite Reds players and trades
    • Historical insights into Reds baseball
    • Food and traditions at Reds games
    • Notable baseball movies and announcers

    Sound Bites

    • "Sparky Anderson's hands in pockets was to prevent hitting umpires."
    • "Ted Davidson was shot by his wife in a bar."
    • "Chipper Jones was the Reds killer."

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction and guest background

    04:16
    Lessons from Veda Pinson and meeting players

    09:55
    Rick's baseball career and emulating players

    15:49
    The 1968 baseball season and its significance

    18:57
    Rick's book and documentary on 1968

    21:59
    Historical events of 1968 and their impact

    25:03
    Reflections on Reds trades and decisions

    28:02
    Players and teams Rick despises

    30:06
    Reds players on Mount Rushmore

    32:00
    Stratomatic baseball and favorite players

    33:01
    Guy Fieri dinner party with Reds legends

    33:53
    Rick shares a humorous story about bass players and baseball

    34:36
    Dreams of Reds players who can hit their weight

    34:56
    The importance of taking the first pitch and game strategies

    35:25
    Observations on Reds lineup and batting averages

    36:22
    Growing up with Reds legends and expectations

    36:30
    Rick’s ideal Reds player and historical context

    37:14
    Favorite ballpark foods and personal traditions

    38:36
    Memories of attending games and bringing own food

    40:47
    Rick recalls a White House moment involving Reds and baseball legends

    44:09
    Rick’s favorite baseball movies and actors

    45:27
    Walk-up songs and Reds uniforms of choice

    45:58
    Favorite Reds uniforms and jersey details

    46:55
    Favorite backup players and memorable moments

    52:34
    Greatest Reds moments and trades

    56:13
    Most exciting Reds players and race around the bases

    57:05
    Favorite announcers and baseball voices

    58:30
    Favorite Reds mascot and team traditions

    01:00:42
    Closing remarks and thanks

    Jack thanks the listeners
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    1 hr and 3 mins
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