Redsfest: FIN

Once again, the Reds put on a fantastic convention. It gets better every year and it's obvious that it's a point of pride with the Reds' staff and management. How awesome is it that our little small-market team can put on one of the best off-season fan conventions? There are some folks out there that are a tab bit jealous...

A few points of interest from my standpoint:

- The autograph opportunities are just awesome. For someone that appreciates players past, present and future, there are tons of opportunities for everyone. Getting an auto from Clay "The Hawk" Carroll is pretty exciting... just as getting one from young star Johnny Cueto or up-and-comers like Todd Frazier or Matt Maloney. For me, it's all good. I did focus my time at Redsfest on autos and ended up scoring 21 on baseball cards and a handful more on my Redsfest pass. What can I say, I'm a nerd. My favorite? Reds Outfielder Jerry Lynch on a 1960 Topps. (Right: Click for larger view) Lines for guys like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto were insane and I didn't try for any of them, except Cueto.

- The Reds Hall of Fame area had a great set-up of exhibits with old uniforms, spikes, etc. Of course seeing the World Series trophies is always a highlight.

- I love it that the entire convention center is covered in RED. You walk out and your eyeballs need to adjust to seeing the rest of the color spectrum. Immersive - love it.

- All the kids stuff looked awesome. The Reds Heads club area is pretty cool. Batting cages, speed pitch, whiffle ball, etc... all great stuff. If I were 9 years old it might have just been too much... okay, not really... just awesome.

- Free stuff all over the place. The Reds were handing out Redsfest exclusive Topps trading cards that you could put in a little fold-out binder they provided at the Information Booth. Nice little cards to get signed, actually. The set included Bruce, Phillips, Harang, Dickerson, Arroyo, Keppinger, Freel and Votto. I ended up missing out on Bruce and Phillips just because I didn't pass by the desks handing those out. Anyone have any for trade?? Other free stuff included the gift bag to the first 10,000 folks through the gate with a Reds stocking cap AND a coupon for free chips and guac from Chipotle - hellz to the yeah. I think the Louisville Slugger Factory in Louisville was giving out free tickets for it's tour as well. I've been, and it's a good time. Apparently, the factory tour is new and improved? Cool.

- I love diggin' around the collectables area. I got a few cards for some of the Reds minor leagers I wanted to get signed. Overpaid, but that's what you get a things like this. I love all the old dusty Reds promotion stuff people have for sale. I ended up getting a couple of buttons the Reds gave out in 1989. I actually had the John Franco on when I was a kid - I went to the game. But, I lost the button ages ago. Got that one back, along with a Sabo, Larkin and and coupons for a FREE 32oz Pepsi when I order an large or medium pizza at regular price at Pizza Hut. Dine-in or carry out... oh... it expired on September 4, 1989. Oh well.

- So, at one point on Saturday, the Main Stage had the "Reds Idol Karaoke Contest". For the most part, it was a snoozer... but a good idea. THEN... this little chunky kid got up on stage and dropped some Journey and brought the house down. I don't care much for Journey, but Cincinnati loves themselves some Steve Perry power ballads and this kids got some serious love. It was something to see/hear. I give it up for that little guy.

That's all I have for now... might be more later... Check out the photo blog for a look into my experience at Redsfest.

Coming very soon: Bobblehead predictions! Dates have been announce by the Reds for FOUR bobblehead dates, including a bobblehead to be voted on at Reds.com. Good move, Reds!!

Redsfest: Back at ya!

My night at Redsfest was a little short last night, but today is on like Donkey Kong.

I poked around the festivities a little bit, but my main focus was getting some autographs last night. First up was Dusty Baker who was nice and chatty with all the fans. Fun to talk to for a few seconds. Thanks, Dusty. I got in line for Chris Dickerson and Norris Hopper after Dusty, but was too late and didn't end up getting signatures from those guys. No more signings happened until 6:30, so I got in line very early for Clay Carroll and Jim O'Toole so I would make sure I got to meet them before I had to jet. I got fantastic signatures from both.

Stuff to look for:

- My Home Skillet Tabari said he saw some great deals at the collectibles tables. That can be rare.

- There are tables located around Redsfest handing out Topps baseball cards of a few players. They are Redsfest branded cards, perfect for autographs. I picked up Joey Votto, Aaron Harrang and Chirs Dickerson. I know there are more... Bronson Arroyo and Brandon Phillips for sure... and probably a few others.

- The kids play areas are awesome. You little ones will have a blast.

More photos today... watch out.

Redsfest: Ahoy!

It's that time of year, boys and girls. REDSFEST TIME! We here at OMGreds celebrate it to it's fullest. It's where hope for the upcoming season springs eternal and the autographs flow like fine Two Buck Chuck. We love it. We revel in it. We even wallow in it a little bit. As is customary with anything that crosses Reds with Kickass we'll be there and photoblogin' that shizz. So, keep your eyes peeled over there and drop us a few comments on our lackluster mobile phone photography.

2008 Redsfest goals:

- Ron Oester autograph on our '87 Topps
- Photo with Brandon Phillips' pearly white grill
- A lock of The Cowboy's mullet
- Pitching tips from Chris Welsh
- Heckle the Bronson Arroyo Band
- High five Walt Jocketty
- Strike out Joey Votto in wiffle ball
- Do Da Dip with Rosie Red
- Give Jim Day a noogie.

Have you seen the list of Reds folks that will be appearing? Impressive to say the list.

See ya there.

Photoblog.
Photoblog.
Photoblog.

The Offseason?

Is the ON SEASON here at OMGreds.com. Well, that's probably a stretch. But, we're all excited about this Reds offseason for many reasons. The Reds will be looking better next year. What moves will Jocketty have in store for the team? There are many great off-season events we are stoked about: Big Red Machine Reunion, Moeller Sports Card Show, Redsfest. Plus, spring training is right around the corner! Hellz yeah.

We are still sorting out our plans, but we will likely be at all the events and doing a little photoblogging, if not more here at OMGreds.com.

Big Red Machine Reunion
November 14-16
Duke Energy Center
more information

This is a pretty neat event and we'll try and stop by. I have never been before, so not sure what to expect. The autograph prices are pretty steep, so I probably won't be picking anything up at the show.

Moeller Thanksgiving Spectacular
November 28-30
Moeller High School
More information

I haven't been to this show since I was a kid! They have a fantastic line-up this year featuring players from the the '90s as well as current guys. Here's a list of who's signing at the show. It's pretty impressive, really. The prices are not too bad, either.

Dave Parker (The Cobra!!!)
Joey Votto (VOTTOtron is happy)
Chris Dickerson (Exciting!)
Kal Daniels (Awesome, except I remember him more as a Dodger)
Ron Robinson (Big Red Ron)
Tom Browning (Mr. Frickin' Hilarious)
Jon Warden (Actually, we are pretty stoked about Mr. Warden being there)

There are also a slew of minor leaguers with local ties that will be signing as well - very reasonably priced at $3 a signature. Check out http://www.cincycardshows.com for information on times, prices, etc.

We'll be there for at least one day, if not more and putting up some photos from the show while we are there. Stay tuned!

Also, Cincy Card Shows need some help with their website. It makes my eyeballs bleed every time I go there for information. Make it stop!!

Redsfest XI
December 12-13
Duke Energy Center
More Information

OMGreds will be there with bells on. We might even blow out a special section here on the site for it. Planning is in the works now. Of course, most of our planning meeting consist of either going to Cyclones games for cheap PBR or Snappy Tomato Pizza buffet at lunch during the week - so you can imagine how much stuff we actually get done.

Anyways, we're doing our best to win the VIP Sweepstakes so we can bring you an exclusive inside look at the whole thing. But, that hinges on actually winning. We'll see how that goes. Wish us luck.

Of course, what is the best thing about Redsfest? The autographs! We're total nerds about that stuff and we're excited about the folks that are slated to attend Redsfest as of today:

Bronson Arroyo, Jeff Brantley, Marty Brennaman, Thom Brennaman, Jay Bruce, Jared Burton, Leo Cardenas, Clay Carroll, Zack Cozart, Chris Dickerson, Danny Dorn, George Foster, Todd Frazier, George Grande, Paul Janish, Jeff Keppinger, Devin Mesoraco, Brandon Phillips, Adam Rosales, Jordan Smith, Drew Stubbs, Chris Valaika, Joey Votto, Brandon Waring, and Chris Welsh.

UPDATE:

Second wave of confirmations: Daryl Thompson, Ryan Hanigan, Craig Tatum, Jack Billingham, Wayne Granger, Jerry Lynch, Chuck Harmon, Tommy Helms, and Jim Maloney.

Watch out, I need to get my '87 Topps Chris Welsh card signed, so just stay out of my way, okay? Cool. Thanks.


More on all this as each event approachs - Make sure to keep OMGreds.com at the top of your bookmarks and our RSS feed on lock.

Go Cub's!

An "informational" sign posted at this year's Cubs Convention. Photo nicked from A League of Her Own - a Cubs fan blog.

From all accounts on the web and from friends, Cubs convention can pretty much suck. Reds fan have to be grateful for Redsfest. Since it's been revived, it has to be one of, if not the best winter baseball club conventions. Lots of autograph lines, tons of kid friendly fun, poker tournament, memorabilia, Wiffle ball tournament and more. Just another great thing the new Reds ownership is doing really well.