CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Marty Brennaman, the iconic voice of the Cincinnati Reds for 46 years, was honored with a statue unveiled at Great American Ball Park’s Crosley Terrace.
The ceremony celebrated Brennaman’s nearly five-decade-long career, during which his voice became synonymous with Reds baseball.
“It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened in my career,” said Brennaman. “It’s important that I’ve satisfied the people that turn on the radio and listen to the Reds on radio in this town and in this region.”
“That means more to me than some guy in Albuquerque, New Mexico who knows who I am because I was a Major League Baseball broadcaster. Someone at Delhi who will sit here and say to you, I used to turn on Marty and Joe every night, or I used to listen to Marty and Jeff Brantley every night. That means more to me than anything.”
Thousands of Reds fans gathered to pay tribute to their beloved broadcaster.
“How can you be a Cincinnati Reds fan, call yourself a true fan, and not want to be here for this,” said CR Wirthlin, a devoted fan.
Fans shared their favorite memories of Brennaman.
“I was at fantasy camp watching a friend of mine in Arizona and when I went in to see him play, Marty stand right beside me,” said Ron Crockett, wearing Brennaman’s jersey from Redsfest.
“He was the voice in the night,” said Wirthlin. “Many times when I was traveling for work, I would do exactly the same thing: turn on Marty. He was that friend.”
David Snider, who worked for the Reds for years, shared a personal story.
“My mom just turned 96 years old. I got a card in the mail the other day from Marty. She got a birthday card from Marty and Amanda, and I thank them so much,” said Snider.
When asked what they would say to Brennaman, Wirthlin expressed:
“Marty, you have no clue, you cannot fathom the difference just by being you that you had in Reds country’s life.”
“He’s a genuine person,” said Crockett. “Nothing is fake; everything is genuine with him.”
“Marty, I love you. Cincinnati loves you. The state of Ohio loves you, and it’s just an honor to be your friend,” said Snider.
The Reds also held a ceremony on the field for Brennaman before their game against the Mets, further cementing his legacy in Cincinnati sports history.