After an injury-riddled spring training, the Cincinnati Reds' outlook for the 2024 season may not be as bright as it was a few months ago.
However, those in the Queen City are still ready to usher in the baseball season the Cincinnati way, with a great big Opening Day celebration.
Signifying the official start of the MLB's regular season, Opening Day is particularly special in Cincinnati, where thousands of fans take to the streets to celebratethe Redswith a parade and other festivities before the home opener later that afternoon.
Whether you're attending the celebrations in person or watching the game from home, here's absolutely everything you need to know about Opening Day this year.
When is Opening Day for the Reds?
The Reds kick off their 2024 season Thursday, March 28, against the Washington Nationals.
The home game at Great American Ball Park starts at 4:10 p.m.
Why do the Reds always open at home?
The Reds havestarted every season in Cincinnatisince 1876, except for1877, 1885 and 1966 because of rain,1990 for a baseball lockout and 1888 when theteamwas scheduled to start on the road for the only time.
There is no official rule designating Cincinnati as the home opener, instead it's based mostly on geography and tradition. Cincinnati was once the southernmost city in the western batch of National League teams, so there was a better chance of warmer weather.
Many people assume the Reds open each season because the 1869 Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team. But that is not the case, Reds historians John Erardi and Greg Rhodes wrote in their book, “Opening Day.” The press began linking Opening Day to thehome ofprofessional baseball in the 1950s as a way to justify what had already been a tradition.
An Enquirer editorial proclaimed in 1949, “It iswell-known fact that Cincinnati unquestionably is the best opening day city in either league – that’s why the Reds’ first game perennially is scheduled on the home lot.”
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade has also been a longstanding tradition, first starting in 1920.
What is the Opening Day forecast for Cincinnati?
The National Weather Service ispredicting that Opening Day in Cincinnatiwill be sunny and have a daily high near 57. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Who are the Opening Day starting pitchers for the Reds and Nationals?
New Reds pitcher Frankie Montaswill make his Cincinnati debut and the third Opening Day start of his career on Thursday. Montas finished sixth in AL Cy Young Award voting in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics (13-9, 3.37 ERA). He also recorded a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts for Oakland in 2022, prior to a midseason trade to the Yankees, according to MLB.com.
Former Reds second-round 2018 draft pick Josiah Gray will take the mound for the Nationals in the first Opening Day start of his career. He had a 3.91 ERA and 8-13 record last season.
Reds Opening Day roster
Here's a look at the Reds' roster heading into Opening Day:
Catcher:Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile.
Infield:Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Nick Martini, Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, Jeimer Candelario, Santiago Espinal.
Outfield:Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Jake Fraley, Stuart Fairchild, Bubba Thompson.
Rotation:Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez.
Bullpen:Alexis Díaz, Emilio Pagán, Lucas Sims, Brent Suter, Buck Farmer, Fernando Cruz, Justin Wilson, Tejay Antone.
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup
2B Jonathan India
CF Will Benson
1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand
3B Jeimer Candelario
RF Jake Fraley
SS Elly De La Cruz
LF Spencer Steer
DH Nick Martini
C Tyler Stephenson
SP Frankie Montas
Who's throwing out the first pitch for the Reds' Opening Day game?
The team announced Monday morning that former first baseman Sean Casey will deliver the ceremonial first pitch before the Opening Day game. The pitch will kick off the pregame ceremonies beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Sean Casey will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch on the 148th #RedsOpeningDay‼️ pic.twitter.com/jfBFk8mytG
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 25, 2024
Casey previously played for several MLB teams, including the then-Cleveland Indians in 1997 and the Reds from 1998 to 2005. After 12 MLB seasons and three All-Star selections, Casey announced his retirement in 2009 at 34 years old.
Over the course of his career, Casey had the nickname "the Mayor" because of his reputation for chatting with every runner who made it to first base.
Last year, former Reds star Todd Frazier received the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Frazier played on the Reds for five years between 2011 and 2015, earning two All-Star selections.
Who is singing the national anthem for the Reds' Opening Day game?
Marlana VanHoose, a contemporary Christian singer from Denver, Kentucky, will perform the national anthem at the Reds' Opening Day game. According to herwebsite, VanHoose was born blind and with cytomegalovirus (CMV). She was not expected to live past one year. At the age of 2, VanHoose was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy.
What are the rule changes for the 2024 MLB season?
The MLB introduced multiple rule changes for the 2024 season, mostly having to do with the pace of play.
Here are some changes to note:
The time between pitches with runners on base is now 18 seconds, down from 20. With the bases empty, the pitch clock remains 15 seconds.
The number of mound visits per team will be reduced from five to four.
A pitcher who is sent to the mound to warm up between innings must now face at least one batter.
The runner's lane towards first base will now include the space between the foul line and the infield grass. That adds 18 to 24 inches to the runner's lane, which the MLB explains "allows batters to take a more direct path to first base while retaining protection from interference."
How to get tickets for the Reds' Opening Day game
There are a number of Opening Day tickets available for purchase from third-party resellers. The prices vary, but the cheapest options were around $100 last week.
Where can I park for the Reds vs. Nationals game on Opening Day?
Parking for Great American Ball Parkis located on the east and west sides of the ballpark.
Here are some parking options. The lots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:
Central Riverfront Garage, 171 100 Joe Nuxhall Way: $25.
The western side of Central Riverfront Garage: $21.
East Garage, 443 East Pete Rose Way: $15.
Broadway Lot, 203 Broadway: $25.
Lot E, near Paycor Stadium: $15.
Parking is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of the Central Riverfront Garage, which can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400 and selecting option 3, or online atwww.reds.com/parking.
Great American Ball Park parking lots open five hours before game time.
What can I bring inside Great American Ball Park?
Going to the game? Click here to find everything you need to know before going inside Great American Ball Park to see the Reds in 2024.
How to watch Reds vs. Nationals on Opening Day
All Reds games are airing onBally Sports Ohioand the Bally Sports app. For the first time in over a decade, Local 12 (WKRC-TV) will not simulcast the Opening Day game alongside Bally Sports. Instead, News 5 (WLWT-TV) will broadcast the matchup.
You can stream Reds games through various streaming services and TV providers that offer Bally Sports. If you live outside the Reds' TV market, you can watch games with anMLB.TV subscription.
How to listen to Reds vs. Nationals on Opening Day
You can listen to Reds vs. Nationals on700 WLW, as well as the Reds Radio Network.
When is the Reds' Opening Day parade?
TheFindlay Market Opening Day Paradebegins at noon ahead of the 4:10 p.m. game.
This year's parade will follow the standard 1.4 mile route, starting at Findlay Market on Race Street. It will go straight down Race all the way down to Fifth, turning left on Fifth Street and ending at Taft Theatre.
Who is the grand marshal for the Reds' Opening Day parade?
Dmitri YoungandCalvin "Pokey" Reesewill lead the 105thFindlay Market Opening Day Parade.
Young, a two-time All-Star, was a first baseman and outfielder for the Reds from 1998-2001.
Reese made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1997 and played shortstop through 2001. He won two Gold Gloves with the Reds, and went on to win a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2004.
Cincinnatiradio legend Jim Scottwill serve as the parade's honorary grand marshal. The former WLW-AM (700) morningradio hostwas diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2022.Hehas marched in the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade for over 50 years and served as its official spokesperson for the last decade.
Celebrities participating in the Opening Day Parade
Here are the notable attendeesparticipating in the Opening Day Parade.
Grand marshalsPokey ReeseandDmitri Young.
Current Reds pitchers Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez.
Honorary grand marshalJim Scott.
FormerCincinnati Bengalsplayer and Pro Football Hall of FamerAnthony Muñoz.
Bootsy Collins.
Restaurateur Jeff Ruby.
Broadcaster Marty Brennaman.
Former Bengals players Ken Anderson, David Fulcher, Louis Breeden, Jim Breech, Doug Pelfrey, Joe Kelly and Tom Dinkel.
Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry.
Miss Ohio 2023 Madison Miller.
Miss Teen Ohio 2023 Paisley French.
Miss Indiana 2023 Cydney Bridges.
Miss Kentucky 2023 Mallory Hudson.
Four-time Ohio girls wrestling championChloe Dearwester.
FormerUniversity of Cincinnatibasketball players Damon Flint, Corie Blount and Melvin Levett.
FormerFC Cincinnatiplayers Michael Millay and Kenny Walker.
Former Reds players George Foster (Hall of Famer) and Scott Williamson.
Olympians Mary Danner Wineberg and David Payne.
Otis Williams of Otis Williams and The Charms.
Taxi Phil, David Neiheisel and The Jones Brothers.
MMA fighters Chris Curtis, Khetag "The Lion" Pliev, Matt "The Hammer" Hamill and Kerry “Meat Truck” Schall.
Opening Day parties around Cincinnati
If you're looking to celebrate Cincinnati's unofficial sick day, The Enquirer gathered a list of all the events happening around town, from parade watch parties to pregame shenanigans heading into the afternoon.
Check themall out here.
Beginner's guide to celebrating Opening Day in Cincinnati
Are you new to Cincinnati? Trending reporter Grace Tucker, an Opening Day newbie herself, put together a beginner's guide for Thursday.
Check it out here.
The best Cincinnati-bred baseball players of all time
Cincinnati Reds beat writer Gordon Wittenmyer had an idea to make anall-Cincinnati big-league teambefore the season.His researchincluded anyone from Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and The Enquirer's coverage area in Southeast Indiana.
The finished product is the greatest 40-man roster (starting lineup, bench, starting pitchers and bullpen) in the country, complete with an explainer from Wittenmyer on how he made his choices and the people that assisted in the process.
Check out the roster here.
Jonathan India has a fresh perspective this season
For Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India, this spring could have been full of pitfalls and trap doors.
He learned two new positions, made a swing change and prepared to have a new role on the Reds in 2024. As India did all of that, he learned something about himself.
“This spring freed me up a lot as a player,” India said.
Read Enquirer sports reporter Charlie Goldsmith's full story here.
Top 5 foods served at Reds games this season
Each year,Great American Ball Parkinvites media types to attend a tasting event so they can sample the new foods and concessions the stadium is offering for the upcomingRedsseason.
Enquirer food writer Keith Pandolfi tried the offerings himself and ranked his five favorites. Check them out here.
Elly-ectricity in the air
Three decades after he played his final big-league game, Dave Winfield still projects a powerful presence when he enters a room, especially a baseball clubhouse.
So when the 6-foot-6 Hall of Famer showed up at Cincinnati Reds camp this spring representing the players union, it was impossible to miss the connection when he quickly approached the only other figure in the room who compared for a handshake and conversation.
It was a handshake that all but produced sparks with the cross-generation current.
Elly De La Cruz did not know who Winfield was. But Winfield knew who De La Cruz was.
All that speed. That arm. That raw power. Thatelectricity.
Read Gordon Wittenmyer's story on superstar Elly De La Cruz here.
Matt McLain undergoes shoulder surgery
Reds second baseman Matt McLain had surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday, and his timeline to return is to be determined.
Learn more here.
Predictions for the Reds' upcoming season
So-called experts agree you can't ignore the Reds' losses to injury and suspension. Enquirer staff members made their predictions for the 2024 Reds and the baseball season.
Click here.
Try for a high score on our Reds quiz
Get ready for the MLB season by taking our Reds quiz!
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Everything you need for Reds Opening Day, from parties to the roster
