Legends of the Reds Reminiscent programme entertains and involves senior community………
The Reds have a well-established reputation for honouring the team’s illustrious past and bridging the gap between it and the present. The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, presented by Dinsmore, is the most efficient way they accomplish this.
The Hall of Fame, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each and provides them with an interactive and thorough tour through the 155-year history of the oldest franchise in professional baseball. Be they ardent supporters or new to the game, Reds fans of all ages may find something at the Hall of Fame thanks to its membership programme, museum and stadium tours, educational offerings, and much more.
The Legends Remembered senior outreach and community involvement programme is one of the museum’s special services. Legends Remembered was created in 2016 and was the idea of former Reds Hall of Fame volunteer Dee Taylor.
In 2011, Taylor started volunteering for the Reds by taking on guest welcome duties at the Hall of Fame’s entrance. Observing her excellent interactions with fans, one of her coworkers suggested she apply for a paid position. By 2012, she was a member of the Reds crew.
Working at the ballpark, Taylor saw that the majority of the Reds’ various clubs, events, and programmes were geared towards young people. There wasn’t much done to reach the elder Reds fan base, despite the fact that school visits and fan clubs were popular with younger followers.
Taylor remarked, “I thought we were missing the boat.” “We were kicking the younger people and kicking the seniors.” The elderly recall
Legends Remembered was launched during the 2016 season, spearheaded by Taylor and fully supported by the Hall of Fame. Through the mobile programme, Reds baseball is brought to local senior centres and retirement villages so that residents can engage with the team. Three interactive elements are provided to organisations who enrol in “Legends”: a travelling artefact exhibit starring a Reds mascot, a special guest appearance by a member of the Reds Hall of Fame, and either a baseball memories programme or Hall of Fame quiz. Included is a private tour of the Hall of Fame.
Reds legends like George Foster, Marty Brennaman, Todd Benzinger, and the late Tom Browning have all been honoured guests. The legends converse with the guests, answer their queries, and pose for photos.
Late last autumn, Foster, who took part in twelve events in 2023, made his final visit to Traditions at Camargo on Madeira. The Reds’ single-season home run king was a born entertainer and storyteller. He shared tales from his time as the Big Red Machine, discussed his experiences playing with and against great ballplayers, and much more.
He exclaimed, “This programme is incredible.” People get the opportunity to see players they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Having the programme accessible to those with restricted abilities or locations
What is Foster’s best portion?
“Having the opportunity to establish that intimate bond,” he remarked. It is not really possible for the athletes to interact that way with the spectators. Although you can see the fans up there on the pitch, you now have the opportunity to communicate with them and answer their questions, which is exciting to me. I have the opportunity to learn about people, their thoughts, and their emotions. Cincinnati’s Reds are a vital part of the city. By what they do, the fans either live or perish. Therefore, I emphasise to players today how vital it is to engage with the public when I speak with them.
Since its launch, the programme has meant a great deal to a large number of people. Attendees of the programme consistently arrive at the events grinning, frequently sporting Reds paraphernalia, and ready to converse, share stories, and relive some of the most cherished moments in Cincinnati baseball history.
Furthermore, Taylor may value it much more than they do.
She declared, “I want to do this for as long as I can because I love the programme.” “People become family when you work with them for five or six years and get to know their struggles. Meeting and interacting with these people has been quite interesting. Every time we visit these places, it warms my heart, and it.
