Likely the first mascot version of Mr. Red. (Rhodes/Klumpe Reds Hall of Fame Collection)
I believe we are.
Five years after the merciful retiring of alien baby Mr. Red, he’s being brought back into the mascot fold next season. Rounding out the Reds mascot roster at four, Mr. Red is being re-introduced at this year’s Redsfest – likely looking much, much better after years of Billy Blanks Tae Bo and some serious facial reconstruction. New Mr. Red will be presented at 6pm Friday night on the Redsfest main stage.
Alien Mr. Red had a run from 1997-2006 serving as the teams only mascot until 2003 when he was joined by “lovable” Gapper. In 2007, Mr. Red was was supplanted by Mr. Redlegs and the lovely Rosie Red rounded out the mix in 2008.
With the resurrection of Mr. Red, fans will be looking forward to even more mascot hijinx around GABP.
So, how about that photo of Mr. Red from the early 70s? We’re not sure of the date on that one, but we’d guess 1973ish? Just a hunch. While that incarnation is a complete rip of the original Mr. Met, all of us Reds fans know that Mr. Red/Mr. Redlegs has been around for quite a while.
Speaking of dudes running around with paper mache baseballs on their heads, check out how Reds fan Tim Shafer crashed the 1975 National League Championship celebration parade dressed in a home-made Mr. Red costume. He was OMGreds before there was OMGreds. We salute you, Mr. Shafer!
