This past weekend was the unofficial start to our city’s never-ending love of baseball and our hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds. More than 21,000 fans came together at the newly remodeled convention center to get autographs, have a catch with their favorite player, and hear about the team’s plans for 2026. The city was decked out in red, and despite frigid temperatures this week, I found myself thinking how happy I am that Opening Day is just two months away.
The Reds organization, led by Phil Castellini and the Castellini family, put so much effort into making Redsfest, Spring Training, and Opening Day truly great traditions. The innovative fan experience in the ballpark throughout the season, something Phil Castellini has directly championed, has become even more welcoming, more fun, and more fan-friendly.
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And yet, some people just can’t let go of Castellini’s comment from four years ago. I was disappointed to see the clips of Xavier fans booing as the Reds and Xavier University announced their powerful new partnership. The Xavier students had the good sense to instead cheer this relationship because they understand it is an opportunity to connect to sports management jobs and to affiliate with one of our region’s most important institutions, the Cincinnati Reds.
Opinion: Xavier misjudged the moment by having Reds’ Castellini speak
What the Reds quietly contribute to the region
The Reds organization is critically important to our region’s growth. A recent economic impact study conducted by UC reported the Reds drove over a billion dollars into our economy in 2023. The entire ownership group is comprised of people with deeply rooted ties to Cincinnati and its well-being.
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The executive team puts in the work every day to make this a better city. They are heavily involved and continually investing in youth sports community groups and have built ballfields all over our region. And the Reds are actively engaged in the region’s growth and economic development, tourism, and downtown and The Banks revitalization.
They often do these things behind the scenes, without much fanfare, because Phil and Bob Castellini and their team just want to get it done.
Opening Day is about hope, not holding old grudges
Cincinnati Reds president and CEO Phil Castellini stands on the field before the first inning of the MLB Opening Day game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The Reds led 3-0 after three innings.
It’s time to accept Castellini’s apologies and deeply felt regret for his comment. Let’s focus on our shared love of the Reds and the hope that Opening Day brings us every spring.
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We’re a baseball town with a team and hustle that is part of our DNA. In no time, the sun will be out, you’ll hear fireworks for home runs, the beer will be cold, and the fans will be cheering.
Brendon Cull
Brendon Cull is the president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati love for the Reds is bigger than Castellini’s bad comment