And This One Belongs to Marty

Ever since before I was born, the voice of the Cincinnati Reds has been radio broadcaster Marty Brennaman. Known for calling it as he sees it and for his trademark "and this one belongs to the Reds" catchphrase after the Redlegs get a win, Marty has become a local legend in Cincinnati. 

He came to Cincinnati in 1974 and was paired up with "the Ol' Left-Hander" Joe Nuxhall. Together the two were tagged as "Marty and Joe" and became Cincinnati celebrities as they called games together until Nuxhall retired in 2004. Marty continued to call the action from the Reds radio booth and was paired up with "the Cowboy" Jeff Brantley. The two formed an on-air chemistry similar to that of Marty and Joe and became a new fixture on Cincinnati Reds radio broadcasts. The talent of the team might have fluctuated, but Marty's presence on the radio was consistent. 

This week marks not only the end of the Reds 2019 season but also the career of Marty Brennaman. The Hall of Famer will call his final Reds game on Thursday, September 26. It is only fitting that Marty's final game is the Reds' 2019 home finale during their 150th anniversary season. 

I have gotten to meet Marty a few times throughout the years, and I can honestly say he is one of the nicest sports personalities I have ever met. He always greeted me with a smile, and in my option, he was one of the greatest representatives of the Cincinnati Reds organization. I was fortunate enough to get a baseball signed by both him and Joe when I was a kid. I won a contest to announce the leadoff batter during one of the innings of a game in 2002. Back then, the kids got to go into the PA booth which is right next to the radio booth which is how I was able to get their autographs. I still have that baseball in my collection. 

Marty is not only a legendary figure in Cincinnati Reds history, but he is also part of the city of Cincinnati's history. He has been in numerous commercials for local businesses and is often regarded as the voice of the Queen City. He will be truly missed by Reds fans and Cincinnatians alike. Thank you and enjoy retirement, Marty. It really does belong to you. 

Domata Peko Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a 2012 Florence Freedom SGA Cincinnati Bengals bobblehead of Domata Peko. 

The Boo Birds and the Bengals

This past Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals dropped a massive turd on the field for their 2019 NFL home opener when they were waxed by the San Francisco 49ers 41-17. I was in attendance and stayed for the entire game. I can honestly say it was the worst Bengals game I have watched in person. Fans justifiably booed this team and left the game early. 

I had to have been one of maybe 200 Bengals fans left in the stands. The 49ers faithful stayed until the end and greatly outnumbered the remaining fans of the Bengals. Chants of "Let's go Niners" echoed throughout Paul Brown Stadium. It was a deflating loss that drained me of all optimism that I had following the encouraging performance the Bengals turned in against the Seattle Seahawks. 

During post game interviews, quarterback Andy Dalton and running back Joe Mixon said they did not like the fans booing. My first thought on this is for both Dalton and Mixon was to grow up and not complain about it. Fans have a right to boo. It comes with the price of admission. If I spend some of my hard earned money on a ticket to see my favorite football team play in person, I will boo until I have no voice left if they play like absolute garbage. 

Another thought that came to mind was that if they don't want fans booing, don't give them a reason to boo. There was very little to cheer for on Sunday. On the other hand, there was a ton to boo. Dropped passes, an interception, a fumble, blown coverage, and a missed field goal are a few of the many reasons fans had to boo the Bengals. You know what? I'm also going boo Dalton and Mixon's comments. Boooooooooooooooo!

Don't get me wrong. I love Dalton, Mixon, and the Bengals. I have been and always will be a faithful member of Who Dey Nation. But if this team gives me a reason to boo, I'm going to do just that. In conclusion, if the Bengals want to hear cheers over boos, then give the fans a reason to cheer. If not, expect the boo birds to continue to circle Paul Brown Stadium. 

Clash of Champions 2019 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Clash of Champions 2019. 

The Wednesday Night War

A few weeks ago, I wrote about All Elite Wrestling's television deal with TNT in which the new wrestling brand will be broadcasted live every Wednesday night. I mentioned that while not the start of a new Monday Night War, it was definitely the beginning of a television battle in the professional wrestling industry with AEW having fired the first shots. World Wrestling Entertainment did not take long to retaliate by announcing that NXT will move to the USA Network from the WWE Network on September 18. 

What was a staple of the WWE Network, and in my opinion one of its biggest selling points, was NXT as it showcased some of the best future stars WWE had to offer. Wrestlers such as Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Beat Wyatt, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, Sami Zayn, and Alexa Bliss among others spent time in NXT before being called up to the main WWE roster. It is literally a who's who of current WWE talent that were developed in NXT. 

Aside from changing networks, the run time and taped format will change as well. The show will be expanded to two hours and will be live every week. It will then be made available for on-demand viewing the next day on the WWE Network. 

NXT has long been considered the best WWE television show for hardcore wrestling fans as it generally does away with goofy segments and instead focuses on the action that takes place in the ring. That idea also appears to be the main focus of AEW so it makes sense that WWE would position NXT in a head to head competition with AEW. Whether or not the expanded run time or change to a live show every week has an effect on NXT remains to be seen. Hopefully Triple H remains in charge of NXT and focuses on the in ring product. If not, AEW might grapple NXT into submission. 

If you are a fan of pro wrestling, this is easily the most exciting time in the industry since the late 1990s and early 2000s when the battle between WWE's Monday Nigh Raw and WCW's Monday Nitro was at its peak. AEW is real completion for WWE. NXT could be a viable threat to AEW. The Wednesday Night War is about to begin, and I cannot wait to sit back, relax, and enjoy it. 

Miami Marlins Speaker Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes an Alexander Global Promotions Miami Marlins speaker. 

Follow Alexander Global Promotions on Twitter: @AGPBobbleheads

AEW All Out 2019 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW All Out 2019.

Cincinnati Bengals 2019 Season Outlook

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone previews the Cincinnati Bengals' 2019 season. 

Battle of I-75 Helmet Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes an Alexander Global Promotions Battle of I-75 helmet.

Follow Alexander Global Promotions on Twitter: @AGPBobbleheads