(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I want to officially thank everyone who contributed to the overwhelming success of the Cincinnati Reds Legends 30th Anniversary Baseball and Softball Camp, and event. To say that good old fashioned fun and learning was the centerpiece of this year’s camp, would certainly put the nail on the head. The atmosphere was electric once again, and the fun, and memories that was experienced by all in attendance will be remembered for many years to come. Cincinnati Reds legendary all-star, and Gold Glove second baseman Pokey Reese headlined the camp, and was absolutely wonderful in giving campers instruction on fielding skills, and strategies.

Heading up the department of teaching all aspects of hitting with power, and the basic mechanics of hitting was Cincinnati Reds hall of famer, and 1990 world champion second baseman Ron Oester. 1990 world champion first baseman Todd Benzinger also attended both days of camp, and ran the homerun derby station, that has become the absolute delight, and favorite station among campers during Reds Legends Week. Dozens of baseballs and softballs flying out of the park at a momentus rate, to the cheers, and ovations of all onlookers was a thrill to see, and a memorable experience for all the children involved at the 30th annual event.

Super loyal, and knowledgeable youth coaches Ron Casci, Chad Barnes, Jim Wilhelm, Michael Wagner Jr., Kevin Pierson, Joe Matheny, Daniel Wagner, John Wickline, Jacob Wagner, Terri Klingenberg, Amanda Berentz, and former Marshall baseball pitching star Barry Smith, were all on hand to give super instruction to all the children, and help out as usual.

Also team moms and dads Jeff Hopkins, Tim Everson, Jason Kehrberg, Mike Hopkins, Eric Brown, Tanya Wagner, and Mr. Harmon, were all in attendance, and did a wonderful job. These dedicated people always show up eager to help, and never let me down — always there, always ready to teach and instruct. Also lunch and snack helpers Theresa Wagner, Vivian King, Nerissa Hall, Charles Miller, Jeff Treadway, Laura Wagner, Cathy Miller, Tami Romanko, Dan Oliver, and Katee Wagner all did a fantastic job keeping the children fed and hydrated throughout the day.

Area businesses who kicked in to make this year’s event a success included Jack Horton and v96.9 radio, Emerson Avenue Papa John’s, Vienna DQ, Zide’s Sport Shop, Marietta Giant Eagle, Warren’s IGA, Marietta Captain D’s, Marietta Papa John’s, Marietta Domino’s Pizza, Vienna Domino’s Pizza, and Marietta Fairfield Inn.

And a big thank you also goes out to Mr. Steve Black, and the City of Vienna for hosting the Cincinnati Reds Legends Event for the seventh year in a row now. Vienna Recreation fields groundskeepers Max, Ryan, and Kevin were also a tremendous help as usual. Also many thanks go out to Jackson Middle School principal Mr. Kisner, and Ms. Jennifer Pratt for allowing us to use the gymnasium as a backup in case of inclement weather. But the weather was dry, and beautiful for both days of the camp. The groundskeepers were all on the job, and awesome as usual.

Thirty years in the books, and another wonderful success. I’m just so thankful for God’s blessings upon this truly family event for three decades now. Cincinnati Reds heroes Pokey Reese, Ron Oester, and Todd Benzinger were all absolutely amazing! The children, and all involved with this year’s event were tremendously blessed! I am so very thankful for this community.

Mike Wagner

Marietta