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Quote of the day: A positive outlook is what leads to positive results.

WELCOME new member AMaizawing (April 03, 2020)


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zigbeeFranchester Martin Brennaman HOF broadcasting career comes to a close
#1
Born in Portsmouth, Va. just months after the US entry into WWII in 1942, "Marty" Brennaman would forge a fantastic career in broadcasting after graduating from University of North Carolina in 1965.   Everything in life has an end and his career comes to a close next month in Cincinnati on September 26th vs the Brewers, well, that is unless the club makes the playoffs and extends his career a few more weeks or days.  

His start in radio began in North Carolina in High Point with WGHP as he sold ads and did broadcasts.   He was the leading broadcaster in Virginia in 1973 when he was hired by Virginia Tech to be the voice of the Hokies, and he also had jobs with the ABA Virginia Squires and the AAA NY Mets (then) affiliate Tidewater Tides. Reds GM Dick Wagner reviewed over 200 applicant sample broadcasting tapes submitted to the Reds in 1973 to replace Al Michaels on WLW radio for the 1974 season.  He said Brennaman's voice just stood out among all the others.  Little did Wagner know at the time he would hire the most talented play by play broadcaster in the storied history of the Cincinnati Reds.

I remember Marty's first game and listened to his smooth delivery and extensive vocabulary on WLW airwaves in 1974, and will also listen to his last broadcast sadly enough in 2019.  I was  a senior in high school when he began with the Reds and now I'm over 63 years old.  One of my enjoyments in life is to anticipate the game each day of summer and listen to it on radio.  His special bond with Joe Nuxhall on the radio made the game an enjoyment and although his teaming with Jeff Brantley is very good it's just not the same as Marty and Joe.  I made the trip to Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York just to see his place there because I have so enjoyed his style, his work, and his dedication to excellence.  His signature "this one belongs to the Reds" was developed not long after his career with the club began when the Reds had a huge comeback and has stuck now ever since then.  He developed his own unique remarks such as "titanic struggle" and "ain't love grand" and "good old fashioned butt whipping" among other comments which we will fondly remember and soon miss as the 2020 season begins.

To say Brennaman has seen it all in baseball would be an understatement of huge measures.  He has broadcast on NBC several World Series games,  witnessed no hitters, Hank Aaron break Babe Ruth's all time home run record, Pete Rose break the all time number of hits surpassing Ty Cobb, Ken Griffey Jr hit home runs number 500 and 600, Hall of Fame players, fights, controversies with Dave Pallone being attacked by Pete Rose, and the bashing of Cubs fans to no end.  He's had run ins with players such as Jack Billingham, Griffey Jr and Homer Bailey and tested the metal of fellow broadcasters with sarcastic repartee only to come to respect and accept those who stood up to him.  He's also endured Sparky Anderson's comments on his dental needs early with the Reds (to which he has fixed all his teeth) and been a part of Johnny Bench being forced to play both ends of a double header due to Anderson finding out through his conversation with the skipper that he and Bench had a dinner one night when there was a curfew.   Brennaman had no idea his revelation would anger Sparky, and this led to the manager keeping his future Hall of Fame catcher in both games to the bitter end.  There are hundreds of other anecdotes I'm leaving out for the sake of brevity here.

Brennaman has 3 children from two previous marriages, and 5 grandchildren. His son Thom, an Ohio University graduate, is a Reds TV broadcaster and nationally successful broadcaster, too, working for FOX in addition to the Reds.  Marty is now married to Amanda Ingram of Ashland, Kentucky and they share a winter home in Florida, to which he will enjoy with Amanda upon his final game in September.  The amount of travel, his age of 77 years, the fact the Reds are not winning (my opinion), and also he's done it all probably played a role in his decision to retire.  There is nothing left for him but to end it and be able to enjoy his autumn years and good health and his family.

 Marty is going out his way and that is impressive.  He is an impressive man who enjoys movies, books, golf, and needling those who eschew tanning, comparing them to people painting closets, all the while he sports his tan and aged visage in sporty clothes.  He long ago gave up the button down shirt and tie for each game to the more relaxed and comfortable denim and casual look and attire.

He will meet with his loving fans September 3-4-7th on the concourses of Great American Ball Park,  and also broadcast in the stands from a temporary booth in Gapper Alley on September 20th.  He will be the only inductee into the Reds Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020 which will be a great honor as well.  His last game on the 26th will see the club give the first 20,000 to the game a transistor radio and invite the fans onto the field after the game for the festivities honoring his storied career.

Here is wishing Franchester Martin Brennaman many more years of life and a happy retirement.  He will never be forgotten and always be remembered as a professional but still had fun in the booth with his fellow broadcasters, and who also allowed the club to shave his head after a 10 game win streak in 2012 as he enjoyed the players, too.  God Bless Marty Brennaman.
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#2
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Make America Honest Again
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#3
Out of curiosity, how long did Al Michaels call Reds games?  Is he from the area?  

As for Marty.  Great pipes.  Total pro.  I think I started listening to the Reds on the reg circa 1979/1980.   I can still remember these old Marathon Oil commercials.  Guy with a southern drawl doing the voice.  Weird the things that will stick out in your mind
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#4
(08-16-2019, 10:51 PM)ScarletHayes Wrote: Out of curiosity, how long did Al Michaels call Reds games?  Is he from the area?  

As for Marty.  Great pipes.  Total pro.  I think I started listening to the Reds on the reg circa 1979/1980.   I can still remember these old Marathon Oil commercials.  Guy with a southern drawl doing the voice.  Weird the things that will stick out in your mind
Al Micheals is from Brooklyn , NY he started with the Reds in 71 and left after the 73 season. 
I listened to him and Nux's every night especially the summer of 72and 73 .
When he left i didn't think there would be anyone ever that could replace him. Boy was i wrong. Marty stepped in and didn't miss a beat. Although i thought his 1st year was kind of subpar. But what does a 14-15 year old kid know.

There was and probably still is rumors around Cincinnati ole Petey was messing around with Al's Girl / wife back then , my ex brother in law had relatives in Cincinnati who we visited  regularly during baseball season , we went to many games and they mentioned it all the time .
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#5
I used to live in Terrace Park, a suburb east of Cincinnati. One of my neighbors three houses down was Thom Brenneman. I used to see Marty over there occasionally. One day as Iâ€m driving by, I see Marty in the driveway rather animated on his cellphone pacing the driveway only wearing a pair of shorts. So I can confirm, the tan looked to be full body.
"Don't, I say don't bother me dog, can't ya see I'm thinkin'?"   Foghorn Leghorn
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#6
M[Image: cut.jpg]arty's Farewell

Earlier this year, legendary Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman announced that 2019 would be his final season calling games in the radio booth. The Hall of Famer has been an icon in Reds Country throughout his 46 seasons behind the mic, and generations of fans have grown up with him as the "Voice of the Reds."
In preparation for Marty's farewell, the Reds have planned a number of festivities to salute his illustrious career during the final regular season series at Great American Ball Park, Sept. 24-26. Don't miss out on your chance to honor Marty and celebrate his retirement with your fellow Reds fans!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
  • Oversized replica ticket from Marty's first Reds broadcast on April 4, 1974 to the first 20,000 fans, presented by Humana.

All times ET. Subject to change.
 Promotions

Tuesday
Sep 24
6:40 PM

[Image: 158.svg]
Milwaukee
Brewers

Promotions 
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
  • Commemorative Marty Brennaman print to the first 20,000 fans, presented by Clark Schaefer Hackett.

  • Marty's son Thom Brennaman will join him in the radio booth for a special broadcast of the game.

All times ET. Subject to change.
 Promotions

Wednesday
Sep 25
6:40 PM

[Image: 158.svg]
Milwaukee
Brewers

Promotions 
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
  • Reds handheld radio with earbuds to the first 20,000 fans, presented by Kroger and Laura's Lean Beef. Fans will be able to tune to 94.5 FM from their seats in the ballpark to listen to Marty's farewell call!

  • Pregame ceremonies will honor Marty's 46-year career with the Reds, including messages from former Reds players, fellow broadcasters and other celebrities.

  • After the game, all fans in attendance will be invited on the field for a special "Marty Party," featuring Marty on stage with Jim Day at the pitcher's mound.

All times ET. Subject to change.
 Promotions

Thursday
Sep 26
12:35 PM

[Image: 158.svg]
Milwaukee
Brewers

Promotions 
Buy Now
 



2020 REDS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore has announced that Marty will be the sole member of the 2020 Reds Hall of Fame Induction Class! Next year's Reds Hall of Fame Induction Weekend presented by PNC Bank is scheduled to include an on-field induction ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2020, before the Reds vs. Diamondbacks game, followed by the 2020 Reds Hall of Fame Induction Gala presented by Clark Schaefer Hackett on Sunday night, April 26. Stay tuned for ticket information on how you can be a part of this historic event.


WATCH MARTY BROADCAST
For three games in September, Marty will appear at a temporary radio booth at Gapper's Alley directly behind section 119, including a full game broadcast on Friday, September 20. This will be a unique experience for fans to see the Hall of Fame in action live!
  • Game Broadcast: Friday, Sept. 20

  • Pregame Broadcast: Tuesday, Sept. 24

  • Pregame Broadcast: Wednesday, Sept. 25
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#7
nothing better than listening to the reds on 700 WLW. Grew up listening to Marty and Joe, and although I don't listen to the radio much anymore for the reds with them being on TV, I try to catch them if I'm on the road. He surely will be missed!
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#8
Used to sit on my front porch circa 1970 listening to the Reds on a little transistor radio.   Remember Al Michaels and then Marty.  Of course Nux was there forever.  Although a Dodger fan, I still enjoyed listening to Red's games.  Joe seemed pretty crocked much of the time.   Smile
"Hightop can reduce an entire message board of men to mudsharks. It's actually pretty funny to watch."


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