The 2016 Cincinnati Reds Caravan kicks off Thursday, Jan. 28 from the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum and will travel more than 3,300 miles with stops in five states over three days.
That includes a stop at the American Legion with Reds Radio Affiliate WSLM RADIO.
The Reds personnel involved will be Jim Kelch (broadcaster), Jeff Brantley (broadcaster/Alumni), Dick Williams (General Manager), Billy Hamilton (major leaguer) and Jesse Winker (minor leaguer).
“My affiliate manager for the Reds and park announcer Joe Zerhusen will also be in attendance,” said WSLM Owner and General Manager Becky White. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Caravan for the third year and can’t wait to welcome them to Salem.”
She also pointed out this is not a public stop on the Caravan and is by “invitation only.”
Reds Fans can win a chance to attend by signing up at Huffaker Insurance and Mid Southern Savings Bank in Salem as well as Gun World in Corydon.
Two winners from each location will be chosen to attend.
After leaving Salem, the South tour will go to the Louisville Bats stadium for a public stop.
“The great thing about our radio stop is that it’s more intimate and Reds fans can participate in a question and answer session, get an item signed and share a meal with the Reds staff,” said White. “For many, that’s the only chance they’ll have to interact with a professional baseball team.”
White is also including local high school baseball and softball teams in the event. The group from Salem, Eastern and WW that collects the most food for the Washington County Food Bank will get to come and have lunch with and meet the Reds.
“This not only gives these youth a chance to meet idols they look up to, ask questions about their sport but to participate in an event that most teenagers don’t get the chance to do,” said White. “And it helps them keep in mind that helping others is important.”
The Caravan is presented by the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network.
The four Caravan tours travel through Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee providing fans with the opportunity to interact with current and former players, top minor leaguers, broadcasters and members of the Reds front office staff.
At each of the 16 fan stops, the groups will field questions and sign autographs while time allows.
“The Caravan is our official kick-off to the new season and our players, coaches, broadcasters and front office personnel are excited to meet with loyal fans in every corner of Reds Country,” said Phil Castellini, Reds Chief Operating Officer.
All Caravan fan stops are free and open to the public, and at each fan stop listed below the Reds will raffle two tickets to the 2016 Opening Day game on Monday, April 4 (4:10 pm) vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
The North Tour includes broadcasters Thom Brennaman and Jim Day, pitcher J. J. Hoover(Thurs. & Fri. only), catcher Devin Mesoraco (Sat. only), minor league pitcher Cody Reed, formerReds catcher and Dayton Dragons catching coach Corky Miller, President of Baseball OperationsWalt Jocketty, Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini and mascot Mr. Redlegs.
The South Tour includes broadcasters Jeff Brantley and Jim Kelch, outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Zack Cozart (Nashville only), infielder Adam Duvall (Louisville only), minor leaguerJesse Winker, Senior Vice President & General Manager Dick Williams, former outfielder Austin Kearns (Lexington only) and mascot Rosie Red.
The East Tour includes broadcasters Marty Brennaman and Chris Welsh, catcher Tucker Barnhart, minor league pitcher Amir Garrett, Assistant General Manager Nick Krall and mascot Gapper.
The West Tour includes broadcaster Jeff Piecoro, manager Bryan Price, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr., pitcher Keyvius Sampson, minor league infielder Alex Blandino, Reds Hall of Famer Tom Browning, Director of Player Development Jeff Graupe and mascot Mr. Red.
The Reds Caravan will also visit over 20 of the Reds on Radio affiliates throughout Reds Country during the tours.
Additional Caravan participants may be added to select tours. Times are subject to change.
Reds sales representatives will be at each stop to answer ticketing questions and discuss 2016 ticket plans, while the Reds Hall of Fame, the Reds Community Fund and Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network will attend select stops.
Memberships to the Reds Heads Kids Club, Reds Rookies Baby Club, Club Red and Reds Hall of Fame & Museum will be for sale at select stops.
Seating is limited at all Caravan stops. Autographs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while time allows. No posed photographs. There may be restrictions on items celebrities can sign.
