Brennaman enshrined with statue outside GABP

CINCINNATI — And this one belongs forever outside of the stadium.

The Cincinnati Reds paid tribute to Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman on Saturday when they unveiled his statue outside of Great American Ball Park.

Brennaman’s statue joins the other permanent displays recognizing their outstanding contributions to the Reds’ organization.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman was honored on Saturday by the Cincinnati Reds with a statue outside of Great American Ball Park.

Brennaman was the radio voice of the Reds from 1974 until he retired in 2019. He spent 31 years with color analyst and former Reds’ pitcher Joe Nuxhall to form one of the longest running duos in the history of baseball broadcasting.

Brennaman’s statue is located as the main entrance and plaza outside of GABP. It's the ninth statue joining Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, Frank Robinson and Tony Perez along with Nuxhall, Rose, Bench and Morgan.

“Johnny Bench texted me this morning and reminded me that he and Pete (Rose) and Joe Morgan all said that this was the biggest thing that had ever happened to them in their career,” said Brennaman.

“They said it unabashedly. I’m going to be the fourth person to say that.”

All nine statues were designed and created by artist Tom Tsuchiya.

“When I approached the sculpture, I wanted to not just capture a single moment in time, but his entire legacy,” said Tsuchiya. “(Brennaman) was so enthusiastic. He came to my studio and posed along with his wife Amanda, which was so helpful to get his likeness and personality down.”

Brennaman thanked Cincinnati owner Bob Castellini and other individuals in the organization who made this event possible.

“All the people in the Reds’ organization who had a part in this day, I could talk forever about the incredible job they did to put all of this together. I’m just so proud to have been a part of this,” said Brennaman.

“And Rick Walls and all of his people. There’s no better baseball hall of fame and museum in all of this game than  what we have here.”

Brennaman said this statue was the biggest honor he could have ever received in terms of personal recognition and he said it has all been because of the fans throughout Reds’ country.

“This could not have all happened to me had it not been for the acceptance of the great people of this city of Cincinnati who are Reds fans. Thank God Al Michaels went to San Francisco,” said Brennaman as the crowd laughed.

“Every time I had a chance to leave, every single time I had numerous chances to leave (but) at the eleventh hour I always had to say, ‘No, I’m staying where I am.’ And I’m thrilled that I’m here today.

“I know that the one guy looking down with a big smile on his face is the old left-hander, because for 31 years we had a love affair unlike any two guys that ever sat side-by-side broadcasting baseball. And when the good Lord decided to take Joe, he gave me this guy right there (Jeff Brantley).”

Former Reds’ players who attended the ceremony were George “The Silent Assassin” Foster, Doug Flynn, Tracy Jones and former Reds pitcher and current broadcaster Jeff Brantley.

“There’s something about the way you broadcast the game that you brought the game to life,” said Brantley. “All of us here believe you are that special person.”

Current Reds announcer Jim Day said baseball and radio are the perfect partners for a radio sport.

“We were the benefactors of someone who perfectly painted the picture, taking the blank canvas that is baseball on the radio and crating a masterpiece in which you could literally close your eyes and see every pitch, see every swing, see every catch, every run, every single home run,” said Day reflecting on Brennaman’s 46 years as the Reds’ play-by-play announcer.

“It was as if you were sitting right next to Marty at the ballpark. And a few laughs along the way.”