A new clock outside Great American Ball Park is already drawing fans in for photos, but what many people may not realize is that the piece of Reds history was built right here in Cincinnati.The custom street clock was donated by Joey Votto as a thank-you to the city and the fans who supported him during his nearly two-decade career with the Cincinnati Reds.The clock sits just outside the main entrance to the ballpark and was unveiled just days before Opening Day.But behind the gift is another Cincinnati legacy. The clock was designed and built by The Verdin Company, a family business that has been making bells and clocks in the city since 1842.Bob Verdin, the company’s CEO and sixth-generation leader of the business, said the idea for the project began when Votto reached out in 2023.“He had called us out of the blue one day and said he wanted a clock,” Verdin said. “I think we may have been one of the first people to know that he was going to retire.”Verdin said Votto was involved in nearly every detail of the design — from the color and logo to the style of the clock’s hands.The finished clock features the Reds’ iconic colors and branding, topped with a baseball finial. One feature Votto specifically requested: music.Verdin said the clock includes speakers that allow it to chime and play songs.“That was one thing Joey insisted on — that the clock have a voice,” Verdin said.The clock can play a variety of music, including the classic baseball anthem “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Inside the Verdin workshop in Columbia Township, clocks like the one outside the ballpark are assembled by hand. Raw castings are welded and prepared before being painted and assembled, then tested for 48 hours before they are installed.While the company’s clocks and bells can be found across the country and around the world, Verdin said projects close to home are especially meaningful.“Most of the clocks we build go outside of Cincinnati,” Verdin said. “So when we have one right here in our hometown, it’s really special for our people to see.” Votto spent 17 seasons with the Reds and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. During his career, he was a six-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 2010.In a message shared with fans, Votto said the clock was meant as a symbol of appreciation for the city and its baseball tradition.“I think the Cincinnati Reds are special — the very first professional baseball team,” Votto said. “And I think they should have some special things.”With Opening Day around the corner, fans are already stopping to admire the new clock — and snapping photos beside it.For many, it’s a new landmark outside the ballpark.And a moment in time for Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI —
A new clock outside Great American Ball Park is already drawing fans in for photos, but what many people may not realize is that the piece of Reds history was built right here in Cincinnati.
The custom street clock was donated by Joey Votto as a thank-you to the city and the fans who supported him during his nearly two-decade career with the Cincinnati Reds.
The clock sits just outside the main entrance to the ballpark and was unveiled just days before Opening Day.
But behind the gift is another Cincinnati legacy.
The clock was designed and built by The Verdin Company, a family business that has been making bells and clocks in the city since 1842.
Bob Verdin, the company’s CEO and sixth-generation leader of the business, said the idea for the project began when Votto reached out in 2023.
“He had called us out of the blue one day and said he wanted a clock,” Verdin said. “I think we may have been one of the first people to know that he was going to retire.”
Verdin said Votto was involved in nearly every detail of the design — from the color and logo to the style of the clock’s hands.
The finished clock features the Reds’ iconic colors and branding, topped with a baseball finial.
One feature Votto specifically requested: music.
Verdin said the clock includes speakers that allow it to chime and play songs.
“That was one thing Joey insisted on — that the clock have a voice,” Verdin said.
The clock can play a variety of music, including the classic baseball anthem “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Inside the Verdin workshop in Columbia Township, clocks like the one outside the ballpark are assembled by hand. Raw castings are welded and prepared before being painted and assembled, then tested for 48 hours before they are installed.
While the company’s clocks and bells can be found across the country and around the world, Verdin said projects close to home are especially meaningful.
“Most of the clocks we build go outside of Cincinnati,” Verdin said. “So when we have one right here in our hometown, it’s really special for our people to see.”
Votto spent 17 seasons with the Reds and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. During his career, he was a six-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 2010.
In a message shared with fans, Votto said the clock was meant as a symbol of appreciation for the city and its baseball tradition.
“I think the Cincinnati Reds are special — the very first professional baseball team,” Votto said. “And I think they should have some special things.”
With Opening Day around the corner, fans are already stopping to admire the new clock — and snapping photos beside it.
For many, it’s a new landmark outside the ballpark.
And a moment in time for Cincinnati.