Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Category: Sports

  • Who Ya Got in the NBA Finals Matchup? Celtics or Mavericks?

    Who Ya Got in the NBA Finals Matchup? Celtics or Mavericks?

    It’s a Matchup Full of Star Power and Intensity – Which Team Will Come Out On Top?

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2024 NBA Finals have a little bit of everything. But it all starts with the pairs of superstars suiting up for each team. For the Dallas Mavericks it’s Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic lead the NBA in scoring this year at 33.9 PPG and in the playoffs he’s averaging an unreal 28-9-8. In the playoffs, Irving continued to show why he’s one of the best closers in all of basketball while also a averaging over 22 per game. They’ve been dubbed by some as the best backcourt duo ever, and they’ve certain lived up to the hype. In the first round they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 4-2 before dispatching a

    Luka Dončić (Wikimedia Commons photo by Erik Drost)

    very good Oklahoma City Thunder team by the same margin in the second round. Even the rising star Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves couldn’t slow down the Mavericks epic march towards the finals. While Dallas beat the Wolves in five games, it was the fire and trash talk from Doncic down the stretch that became one of the major storylines of the series. It wasn’t all hot air though as he backed them up on the court, scoring 36 points in a close out win.

    Out of the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics have their own high powered guard combo in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Combined, the two averaged almost 50 PPG in the regular season and lead the Celtics to the best record in the East at 64-18. The Celtics took down the Heat, Cavaliers, and the upstart Indiana Pacers in their track towards the championship.

    It’s clear that the stars are going to show out and light up the scoreboard in this iteration of the finals. The question then becomes a matter of which team has the stronger supporting cast.

    For the Celtics:

    • Kristaps Porzingis (F/C 20-7-2)
    • Derrick White (G 15-4-5)
    • Jrue Holliday (G 12-5-4)
    • Al Horford (C 8-6-2)

    For the Mavericks:

    • Tim Hardaway Jr. (G 14-3-1)
    • PJ Washington (F 12-5-1)
    • Daniel Gafford (F 11-7-1)
    • Dereck Lively (8-6-1)
    Jayson Tatum (Wikimedia Commons photo by Erik Drost)

    *The above are figures from the regular season (PPG-RPG-APG).

    But perhaps the biggest x-factor could come from a player who has yet to take the court since the first round. Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis has missed the Celtics’ last 10 games due to a calf injury but seems primed to return for the finals. He would provide a massive boost to a team that went 9-1 without him. The Latvian big man shot a career-best 51.6% overall while hitting 37.5% beyond the arc. When you factor in the boost he can bring to Boston’s game on both ends of the court, it could be enough to make the Celtics the favorites in this series as they opened as -225 favorites Thursday night according to ESPN BET. But there’s no guarantee that Porzingis will be back to form immediately and Boston has been tight lipped about whether he is for sure good to go for game one.

    But the Mavericks are adept at overcoming even the best of opponents. In the Western Conference Finals they dispatched a Timberwolves team with their own talented big man in Karl Anthony Towns. They should be in a good position to play tough against Porzingis should he return.

    For his part, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd knows plenty about the pressure a team can face in the finals. As a player he was on two squads that fell short of wining a title, the first with the Mavericks in 2002 and the second with the New Jersey Nets the very next year in 2003. On the other bench, the Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla is the youngest head coach to make the NBA Finals since Bill Russell in 1969 at just 35 years old. But coach Mazzulla has done an excellent job harnessing Boston’s talent and energy, guiding the team to their second finals appearance since 2022 where they fell to the Golden State Warriors.

    Other interesting facts about this years’ finals matchup:

    • The Mavs are the only team in the last three postseasons with multiple wins (they’re 2-3) in games they trailed by at least 17 points.

    These key stats lead to a few conclusions. First, that the Mavericks are never out of a game no matter how far behind they may be. Second, that the Celtics relentlessly attack the basket and draw fouls while limiting their opponents’ trips to the line.

    In the end I honestly feel that this series will come down to whose non superstars play the best. If Kristaps Porzingis returns and plays to his full potential then it will be very difficult for the Mavericks. If Tim Hardaway Jr. can somehow find his shot and become an impact scorer for Dallas it could really even the field.

    The way that Doncic and Irving are playing, even with the Celtics at full strength, my pick is the Mavericks in 7 thrilling games. The Celtics’ team is probably more complete for the starting 5, but Dallas also has a deeper bench, which outscored Boston 35-29 in terms of PPG in the regular season. And this is a hard series to predict given that any one of the marquee players on these teams could explode at any moment and change the dynamic of the series. But that is part of the reason why this matchup could be one of the most entertaining finals pairings.

    But only time will tell and for now let’s buckle up and watch some excellent basketball.

    Who is you pick to win it all this year? Let us know either in the comment section of this article or on our Facebook page!

    The NBA Finals are presented by YouTube TV with ABC the exclusive provider.

    Here is the television schedule for the 2024 NBA Finals:

    • Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Thursday, June 6 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 9 (8 ET)
    • Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Friday, June 14 (8:30 ET)
    • Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 ET)*
    • Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 ET)*
    • Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8 ET)*

    * = if necessary

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Loveland Bids Farewell To Head Football Coach Andy Cruse

    Loveland Bids Farewell To Head Football Coach Andy Cruse

    (Loveland Magazine file photo when Andy Cruse was introduced to Tiger fans at a home basketball game on February 11, 2019)

    Cruse will become Tight Ends Coach for the Miami RedHawks

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – This past Wednesday, Loveland leaned the bittersweet news that head football coach Andy Cruse would be departing to assume the role of tight ends coach for the Miami RedHawks in Oxford, Ohio. Cruse had been the head coach of the Tigers for five years after stints at Moeller and Turpin, which was his alma mater.

    2023 was Loveland’s best year under Cruse. They finished 5-6 and there was a lot of hope that perhaps the team could improve on that going into 2024. It was their best record since going 6-4 in 2015. Overall, Cruse was 12-37 at the helm of the Tigers’ program, which ran from 2019-2024. After quite a few struggles following winning the state title in 2013, he lead the team to two straight postseason births.

    Head Coach Andy Cruse leading the Tigers out of the “Tunnel” during a Pandemic game in August of 2020 (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    Cruse will be returning to his former college team. He was a wide receiver for the RedHawks and a co-captain in his senior year. Coach Cruse also had a good amount of NFL experience, playing for the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

    All of Loveland wishes Coach Cruse the best and that he has success at Miami. But for now it is an exciting time for Loveland football as it searches for its next head coach. At the moment, defensive coordinator AJ Williams and special teams coordinator Brian Damewood are the interim co-coaches. This writer was honored enough to play for Coach Damewood during his brief but happy career with the Tigers from 1999-2003 and so the program is in the best of hands moving forward.

    While coaching searches are never easy, the opportunity to take the reins at a solid program like Loveland will no doubt attract very qualified candidates. Loveland athletic director Jayson Bruce has a great opportunity for to secure the future of this program by making a great hire, and this city looks forward to a new chapter in Loveland football history.

    Go Tigers!

    ________________

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Register today for Loveland’s Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing benefiting Mental Health wellness!

    Register today for Loveland’s Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing benefiting Mental Health wellness!

    Saturday August 24th at Hickory Woods Golf Course will be the 4th annual golf event for Loveland’s own Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing, benefiting Mental Health wellness, hope, and advocacy in our local young people!

    by Tori Morrison

    Gather your foursome and join the day of fun on the links for a great cause.

    Interested in sponsoring a hole, game or part of the fun? We welcome you!

    This is out biggest annual fundraiser – and last year our golf outing raised $18,000!

    The Ben Morrison Fund is proud to have invested over $30,000 in our community through outreach programs and donations relevant to mental health wellness and advocacy.

    • Our Ben’s Way initiative is already in 7 schools in 5 districts, reinforcing positivity
    and building hope.
    • We have sponsored over 30 Ben’s TEAMS awareness events, impacting 52,000+
    • We have given 33 scholarships, equal to $27,500 in 4 years.
    • Over 1390+ Loveland students and 300 teachers and staff have been impacted by our work with Hope Squad, My Fave 5, and the 988 Initiative

    We reach out to children where they are and to our community where they can see us. We sponsor children who are in need. We shout out 988 everywhere we can, so that everyone knows what it is and how to find it in a crisis. We bring animals into the schools for all to connect with. We give coffee and breakfast to teachers and buy them books on mental health. We sponsor events to raise awareness and show up at
    the Flying Pig marathon to cheer people on. We are on the radio, in print, at sporting events, local fairs, corporate functions,
    inclusion events, mental health events, talking to law enforcement, talking to everyone we meet and encouraging one and all to “Cont;nue Your Story“.

    We are passionate about mental health wellness for everyone.

    Thank you to all who have supported the Ben Morrison Fund and we encourage all to join our day of fun on the greens to support our fight to shine a light on struggles with mental health – so that no one has to fight alone.

    REGISTER or DONATE TODAY

    ________________

    Tori Morrison is the President and Treasurer of the Ben Morrison Memorial

    www.benmorrisonfund.org

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is a 501(C)(3) Corporation. Fed ID no. 86-2896878

  • Was The Reds’ Sweep of the Dodgers a Sign of a Season Turnaround?

    Was The Reds’ Sweep of the Dodgers a Sign of a Season Turnaround?

    Jonathan India had a great series against Los Angeles which included a grand slam that seemed like the defining moment for the entire series.

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – The Reds Have Won A Series For the First Time Since Late April and 4 Straight For The First Time Since July of 2023

    A brutal west coast road trip. Loss after loss. Injuries, slumps, implosions. And then the Dodgers came in town. It was a recipe for disaster and a season-ending coffin nail.

    Until it wasn’t.

    The Reds’ improbable three game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers maybe won’t turn out to be enough to save the season, but dang if it doesn’t feel like the start of something special. Yes the Dodgers have some of their own offensive issues to speak of but their star power and talent can’t be denied. The Reds’ pitchers neutralized some of the league’s best hitters in Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman and they hit around big money pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Three straight wins over a team like that should be enough to quiet the doubters and doomsayers for a little while more.

    What’s so impressive is the way the Reds are winning. Their bats have come alive again. They are getting contributions from guys like Jonathan India, who looked so overmatched at the plate at times that it was almost sad to watch. He had a great series against Los Angeles which included a grand slam that seemed like the defining moment for the entire series.

    Spencer Steer is swinging the bat like he did earlier this year. Jeimer Candelario was improving, got hurt, but returned Monday night and promptly hit a game tying home run. For most of May the Reds got next to nothing from anyone who wasn’t Tyler Stevenson or Elly De La Cruz. But now, they are getting contributions from several different guys on any given night.

    No conversation about the Reds’ recent success would be complete without the acknowledgment that none of it would have been possible without how impressive their pitching (both the starters and bullpen) has been. Whether it’s Greene, Abbott, or Ashcraft they’ve turned in solid innings that have put their club in a position to win. The major difference now is that the Reds’ bats have shown up to take advantage of those opportunities. And when that’s happened, the bullpen has been able to step in and lock down their leads and convert them into wins. Alexis Diaz had a very impressive save against the Dodgers, as did Lucas Sims in a victory against the Cardinals on Memorial Day. After having such a difficult and frustrating early season, Lucas Sims has a 1.46 ERA over his last 15 appearances.

    Many Reds fans have nightmares about the dreaded “bullpen days” last year that were made necessary by the numerous injuries to the pitching staff. But this year the story has been much different with the major additions the team has made to their bullpen. Nick Martinez proved that when he carried the Reds to a win in one of those bullpen days against the Dodgers this past weekend. He threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings and in the last series facing them he tossed 5 innings while giving up only 1 run.

    And on top of that, Nick Lodolo returned to the rotation. He pitched very well against the Cardinals, allowing only 1 run in a little over 5 innings and only walked 1 batter. Having him back makes the rotation compete again, and it could be one of the top units in the league if they all remain healthy.

    The Reds are playing as complete a game of baseball as they have in weeks. Though you may not be able to quantify it, you have to wonder how much relief this group of players has gotten from winning their first back to back games, and their first series, in more than a month. We’ve talked before about how they’ve shown flashes of playing great baseball for a game, only to have it all fall apart for the next few games.

    Not so much anymore.

    This version of the Reds is one that is playing looser, with more energy, and clearly more confidence. And the city is responding as there were plenty of loud and rowdy fans to watch those wins over the Dodgers and Cardinals. If not for the multi-game losing streak earlier on they might not be in such a hard place as Cincinnati actually did not play all that terribly in their recent road trip out west. But this winning streak is surely helping to propel the Reds out of the hole they dug for themselves, and we can only hope that the best is yet to come.

    “The team is coming together. It seems like things are clicking.”

    • Nick Martini

    Baseball is made up of a very long season that can’t be defined by a game, a series, even a month. While it’s impossible to say that this stretch of beautiful baseball will propel this team into contention, if they do make the playoffs or turn it around, it’s going to be very easy to look back on these wins as the moment when it all began.

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • The JB Bickerstaff Era Comes To An End For The Cavaliers

    The JB Bickerstaff Era Comes To An End For The Cavaliers

    Photo – https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/roster

    by Chris Ball

    JB Bickerstaff inherited a Cavaliers team that was reeling after the firing of Jon Beilein midway through the 2019-20 season. After his hiring, Bickerstaff helped turn the Cavaliers around and get them on a path to winning. Overall, he had a 170-159 regular season record. He and the Cavaliers recorded at least 44 wins in each of the his last three years with the team. As the coach he improved the Cleveland’s record each year he was at the helm. The team was 19-46 in 2019-20; but improved to 22-50 in 2020-21; 44-38 in 2021-22 and 51-31 in 2022-23).

    In the postseason though, his record fell to just 6-11 despite leading the Cavaliers to the playoffs in back to back years in 2023 and 2024. 2024 marked the team’s best result during Bickerstaff’s tenure where they advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018.

    And to be clear, Bickerstaff should not be viewed as a scapegoat for the shortcomings of the Cavaliers this year. Injuries plagued this team for so much of the season. The signings of Max Strus and especially Georges Niang did not work out as planned. There was only so much a coach could do to keep this team afloat.

    But in the end, for all of Bickerstaff’s successes (and there were many), there were still significant questions about his ability to take the Cavaliers to the next level even when this team was healthy. There were issues as to whether he could control the locker room and make his star players, including Donovan Mitchell, happy. While Cavaliers executive Koby Altman properly emphasized JBB’s success in developing the Cavaliers’ young players, he also acknowledged that a fresh approach was necessary. This isn’t an unreasonable position to take, given how the Eastern Conference is improving with the likes of the Magic and Knicks and how the teams at the top like the Celtics don’t look to be falling off anytime soon. The Cavaliers have established, veteran players but need to find the best way to harness their varying skills and strengths and break through and become serious NBA Finals contenders. And that won’t be easy given the Cavaliers’ current roster construction.

    Both Mitchell and Darius Garland are undersized guards. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are big men that take up a large amount of space in the post and, as of yet, Mobley hasn’t developed an outside game that will allow him to score reliably away from the basket. So with both men in the game the paint is a very crowded place to operate. The Cavaliers also lack a dynamic wing that can create, which is a staple of the most successful NBA offenses in this era.

    Speaking of roster construction, the offseason is shaping up to be an interesting one for the Cavs’ backcourt. There have been ultimatums bandied about that if the Cavaliers do sign Donovan Mitchell long term that Darius Garland would then demand a trade. In the past, Garland has shown that he has the ability to score at a high volume, but this year injuries certainly impacted his game after having his jaw wired shut and losing significant weight. Yet, even after returning and having time to collect himself, DG’s game simply was not there. In the playoffs, with Mitchell either hurt, hobbling or exhausted (from being the team’s only real scorer) Garland could only manage 15.7 PPG on 14 shots per game. As a comparison, with Joel Embiid not playing his best for the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey averaged 29.8 PPG to carry his share of the scoring for his team.

    As sad as it may be to admit, the Cavaliers’ futures rides on the decision of Donovan Mitchell alone. The dismissal of J.B. Bickerstaff is proof enough of that. While Garland is a good player, if the choice is between him or Mitchell, that isn’t even really a choice. If the Cavaliers are going to have any real success in the future, Donovan Mitchell is realistically the only one who can be relied on to take this team on his back and get the job done.

    Turning to the early potential candidates to replace Bickerstaff going forward, the names floated so far include David Adelman, Nuggets assistant, Frank Vogel, former Pacers and Lakers head coach, and even podcaster JJ Reddick. Whichever coach is hired, the Cavaliers will look a lot different in the 2024-2025 season and if Mitchell is still on the team the ultimate challenge will be putting the right pieces in place to give him what he needs to make a deep playoff run. Continuing to develop Evan Mobley on offense should be a top priority. He is certainly capable of scoring at a high volume as game 5 in the playoffs showed us all this year. If Isaac Okoro can somehow be coaxed to bring a consistent shot to bear, he could be a crucial piece in the lineup given his ability to lock down the oppositions’ best players on defense.

    There is plenty of uncertainty for this team in the months to come, and so much depends on the long term signing of Donovan Mitchell. If he stays with the Cavaliers and they hire the right coach, they have the players to take major steps forward. But until then there are many pieces that have to fall into place, and at the moment it’s a game of “wait and see.”

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

     

  • The Tee Higgins Saga Continues

    The Tee Higgins Saga Continues

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – The Bengals and one of their key players fail to reach an agreement on a long-term contract. The franchise tag looms. Sabres rattle, there are questions of a potential holdout. And all the while Bengals fans wait and see.

    Sound familiar?

    It should for anyone who remembers the Jessie Bates contract episode from several years ago. The former Cincinnati safety signed a four-year, $64.02 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 after spending 5 years wearing the orange and black. Bates and the Bengals attempted to reach an agreement on an extension after the expiration of his rookie contract but nothing materialized. The Bengals applied the franchise tag and Bates responded by skipping the team’s offseason workouts or the majority of training camp before rejoining the team in August. But in the end he took the field that season and performed well, setting a career high mark (to that point) with 4 interceptions. What’s more, he played his way into that sizable deal with the Falcons. The following year he instantly proved he was worth it, leading the team in tackles, passes defenses, and interceptions, and being named to the pro bowl on top of it.

    And this week, Bengals fans got a stark reminder of that process when Tee Higgins failed to sign his franchise tender after he, too, could not get what he needed in terms of a multi year deal from the team. Unfortunately, it appears that the negotiations did not go remotely well according to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway:

    “Tee Higgins camp was looking for an offer that was similar to the Michael Pittman deal with the Colts…

    His camp felt that the Bengals initial one time offer was so low that it couldn’t even move into a conversation about guaranteed money”

    As a reference, Pittman signed a three-year, $70 million contract extension with $46 million guaranteed with the Colts in March. Now, to be fair, an entire series of articles probably wouldn’t be enough to recount the issues with the Bengals’ front office and their treatment of potential free agents, what it means for now is that Tee will not be with the team for the foreseeable future. While this isn’t certainly isn’t a welcome sign, it doesn’t spell the end of Higgins’ time with the team. This includes Higgins himself who admitted that he’ll probably be wearing a Bengals uniform next year even after requesting a trade. In addition, missing offseason team activities in May (which many players skip anyways) doesn’t signal any sign of a longer holdout. There’s simply no need to panic so early, as the two camps have until July 15th to work out a long-term contract extension. After that, he would be locked into playing on the one-year franchise tag through the 2024 season, making $21.8 million doing it.

    Interestingly enough, Jessie Bates was asked about Higgins’ situation, given his experience and the fact that both men are represented by the same agent, David Mulugheta. His advice was certainly sage:

    “My thing for Tee is just, I mean, work on your craft, it don’t matter. If this is the contract year, I say it every time: Every year is a contract year. You should go out there and ball out and train like this is one of your last years to play.”

    This is yet another reason why concerns about a holdout are overblown: players derive no benefit from removing themselves from the NFL spotlight for an entire season. If it’s a monster contract that they seek, then Jessie Bates’ path is undoubtedly the correct one to pursue: take the field in your contract year, play your absolute hardest, and show the rest of the league that you are worthy of the money you’re asking for. You can’t do that from your couch holding out, and so the overwhelming consensus is that by the time this Bengals team takes the field in the fall, Tee Higgins will be there.

    While that may be comforting it is true that offseason workouts have tangible benefits, even for players line Tee who have played multiple years in the league. Missing them has at least some negative impact on timing with Burrow, with continuity and with chemistry. So while these absences aren’t harbingers of gloom and doom they are important from a team’s perspective, and to get the best out of every player.

    And we all know Tee wants to play his absolute best in 2024, as his recent training video shows.

    In 58 games over the course of his career, Higgins has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. But he has never been the number one receiving option for an entire season. Those numbers are solid and he is a good wide receiver. If he proves that he can put up the numbers of a superstar WR1 for the Bengals next year, it will only benefit all parties. And so the play here isn’t to be sour about Tee’s offseason decisions, but to root like hell that if this is his last season for the Cincinnati Bengals, that he makes it his best one ever.

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Homestand Highlights – May 21-29 – Reds vs. Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals

    Homestand Highlights – May 21-29 – Reds vs. Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals

    by Chris Ball

    Tuesday, May 21 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 beers (Bud or Bud Light 12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • Reds Country Cares: As part of our Reds Country Cares program, throughout May we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Pregame ceremonies will help raise awareness on this important topic. New for 2024, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is making a donation to each of our Reds Country Cares community partners. For more information, visit reds.com/Unity.

    Wednesday, May 22 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Bark in the Park: Tonight is the second Bark in the Park of the season, presented by Kroger, Good ‘n’ Fun and DreamBone. Over 500 dogs and their owners will participate in a pregame parade around the field and enjoy pet activities, samples and more in the First Star Fan Zone. Dog packages must be purchased in advance at reds.com/Bark.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown will throw out a ceremonial pitch.
    • Reds Community Fund Check Presentation: A check for over $56,000 will presented to the Reds Community Fund during pregame ceremonies. The proceeds are from the 12th annual Modern Office Methods Opening Day Eve party, which took place on March 27 at the Moerlein Lager House. The event is hosted annually by Randy and Sue Freking.

    Thursday, May 23 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m. (gates open at 11:40 a.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Chris Welsh)
    • Hall of Fame Vintage Game: Exhibition game featuring the Reds Hall of Fame’s 1869 Red Stockings is scheduled to start at noon, using baseball rules from the 1860s.

    Friday, May 24 – Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. (gates open at 5:40 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Fireworks Friday: Rozzi’s fireworks show presented by Toyota.
    • City Connect Friday: Reds players and coaches will wear the Nike City Connect uniform as part of City Connect Fridays.

    Saturday, May 25 – Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:15 p.m. (gates open at 5:45 p.m.)

    • TV: FOX National Broadcast (WXIX Fox19 in Cincinnati)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Phone Wallet: Fans in attendance will receive a Reds phone wallet, presented by PNC, while supplies last.
    • Bald Eagle Flight: “Sam” the Bald Eagle from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will perform his first flight of the season from the TriHealth Riverboat Deck to the pitcher’s mound during the singing of the National Anthem.
    • Murals With A Mission, powered by PNC: Pregame ceremonies will recognize students and advisors from Colerain and Sycamore high schools who recently participated in Murals with a Mission, powered by PNC. The Reds and PNC launched the Murals with a Mission campaign in 2022 to create lasting works of art at Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky high schools designed to elevate positive social messages for the student community. For more information, visit reds.com/Unity.
    • MLB Prostate Cancer Awareness: Representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation will be visiting GABP to bring awareness to the Home Run Challenge leading up to Father’s Day.

    Sunday, May 26– Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:40 p.m. (gates open at 12:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Baseball Card Set: Fans in attendance will receive a Reds Team Baseball Card Set, presented by Kahn’s, while supplies last.
    • Reds Rookies Day #1: Newborn Reds fans and their parents will be at the game for the first Reds Rookies Day of the season. Baby fan club members will be able to participate in a pregame on-field parade and more fun activities in the First Star Fan Zone. To learn more about Reds Rookies, visit reds.com/Rookies.

    Monday, May 27 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4:10 p.m. (gates open at 2:40 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Memorial Day: The Reds and MLB will join the country in remembering and honoring those who have died in service to our country. In connection with this special national holiday, all on-field personnel will wear the traditional red poppy on the left side of their uniforms with “Lest We Forget” language adorning the visage. The Memorial Day logo will also appear on the bases.
    • Military Appreciation Day: Special ticket deals will be available for military and first responders. Pregame on-field ceremonies will honor various branches of the armed forces.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will throw out a ceremonial pitch.

    Tuesday, May 28 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 Buds and Bud Lights (12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • RCF Signing Day: During pregame ceremonies, 10 high school student-athletes from the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy RBI program will be recognized for signing letters of intent to play collegiately.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Trent Brown will throw out a ceremonial pitch. Brown will be joined on the field by Reds Hall of Famer Dave Parker.

    Wednesday, May 29 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:10 p.m. (gates open at 11:40 a.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • First Pitch: Former Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Scooter will be at the Reds Hall of Fame today signing autographs.

    Special offers for the Homestand

    • Family Discount Day – May 21 & 29: Families can save by purchasing up to three half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark, provided by Klosterman Bakery. Available only at reds.com/Family.
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays – May 21 and 28: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 Buds and Bud Lights (12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • Business Day Special – May 23 and 29: For $20, fans can purchase a View Level ticket and receive $10 in concession credits, presented by UnitedHealthcare. Drop your business card in the container at a Fan Accommodation Station and you could win tickets to the next Business Day Game. Available at reds.com/SkipWork.
    • Senior Days – May 23 and 29: Fans 50 and older may purchase select non-premium tickets at half-price in advance of game day only. Excludes Premium Seats, Fioptics District, Upper View Level, Value View and Kroger Bleachers. Some restrictions apply. Available at reds.com/Seniors.
    • Thirsty Thursdays – May 23: For all Thursday Reds home games, fans can purchase a $30 package that includes a Field Box or Terrace Line ticket and a $10 concession credit valid for food and beverages. Available only at reds.com/Thursday.

    Reds Fancam

    • At select Reds games this season Fancam will be capturing a giant interactive photo of everyone at Great American Ball Park. Fans will be able to zoom in and find their photo in the crowd. Photos will be available at reds.Fancam.com.

    Reds Community Fund

    • CollegeAdvantage Redlegs Run: The 23rd annual CollegeAdvantage Redlegs Run is on Saturday, June 1. Options are available for walkers and runners of all ages. All participants will receive a custom race medal, race shirt, professional chip-timing with live results, free downloadable race photography, a post-race party in the First Star Fan Zone, and one View Level ticket to the Reds vs. Cubs game on Thursday, June 6. All proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund. Register today at reds.com/run.
    • Split the Pot: Fans in the ballpark and at home can play Split the Pot this season at reds5050.com. One lucky winner will be picked to win the rolling jackpots following the games on May 23, May 26 and again on May 29. Fans can purchase their tickets early for a chance to win “Early Bird” prizes that will be given away at various times throughout the season. Fans must be 18 years or older and in the state of Ohio at the time of purchase to enter. Buy tickets now and find the official rules at reds5050.com.

    Reds Hall of Fame & Museum presented by Dinsmore

    • George Foster Bobblehead: Reds Hall of Famer George Foster is featured as the first bobblehead in the Hall of Fame’s 2024 “Long Ball” Collectible Gift Series presented by Dinsmore. The Foster bobbleheads are free with full-price museum or ballpark tour admission on Saturdays and Sundays throughout May, while supplies last.
    • George Foster Experience – May 25: Reds fans have the chance to experience a 90-minute tour through Riverfront Stadium landmarks with the Big Red Machine’s own George Foster. Hear Foster’s insights on his Reds Hall of Fame career and other topics during the tour, accompanied by a brief Q&A session and photo opportunity. Tickets include a guided tour of the Reds Hall of Fame by a docent. Each tour guest will receive an autographed George Foster bobblehead. The George Foster Experience departs from the Hall of Fame lobby at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, For tickets and more information, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • George Foster Autograph Signings – May 25 & 26: As a part of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Signature Series, Reds Hall of Fame outfielder George Foster will visit the Reds Hall of Fame for two autograph sessions on Saturday, May 25 and two on Sunday, May 26. For tickets and autograph schedules, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • “Charlie Hustle” Author Book Signing – May 25: Keith O’Brien, author of the recently-published biography of Pete Rose, “Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball,” will sign copies of the bestselling book on Saturday, May 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Reds Hall of Fame and from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Hall of Fame Shop in the First Star Fan Zone. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • Scooter Gennett Autograph Signing – May 29: As a part of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Signature Series, former Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will visit the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, May 29, for two autograph signing sessions. For tickets and autograph schedules, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • “The Long Ball” Exhibit Now Open: The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum’s newest exhibit “The Long Ball: A Home Run History of the Reds” presented by Dinsmore features the greatest home run hitters and most unforgettable home runs throughout Reds history. From the legendary to the unexpected, “The Long Ball” touches all the bases in this celebration of one of the game’s signature moments and salutes the Reds players who have forever etched their names in the annals of home run lore. Plan your visit at redsmuseum.org.
    • Kids and Military FREE at the Reds Hall of Fame: Kids 12 and under can always explore the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore for free, courtesy of the H.C.S. Foundation. Admission for active military and veterans is free, courtesy of the Sargent Family Foundation.

     

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Join Us for Road to Health!

    Join Us for Road to Health!

    Loveland, Ohio – Join us for the 3rd annual Health & Wellness Expo presented by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. This event focuses on all aspects of health: physical, mental, financial, senior care and more.

    Saturday Jul 27
    9 AM until Noon

    Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown

    Visitors will explore a variety of health-related vendor booths, live fitness classes, and more.

    There will be on-site Mammograms, assessments, samples giveaways, and more.

    This event is free to attend and is great for all ages.

    Vendors are encouraged to have giveaways at their booth.

    Vendors Register HERE!

  • The Reds Continue To Struggle To Find Their Identity and Consistency

    The Reds Continue To Struggle To Find Their Identity and Consistency

    by Chris Ball

    In a season like this one, there is a point in time where all of the platitudes and rationalizations ring hollow because they’ve been trotted out more times than an Uncle Remus’ catfish story.

    That point is drawing perilously close; losing 15 out of 18 games tends to make any explanations fall on deaf ears.

    There is no shame in setting aside the catch phrases and being honest and fair about what this Reds team is: young, inexperienced, decimated by injuries, and facing spending constraints that make it extremely difficult to compete against the cash-rich legacy franchises in this league. In even the best of times when all of a teams’ players are healthy, when you play in a market like the Reds do, you need a lot of luck for a deep playoff run to happen. The margins are always razor thin, and this year you couldn’t see them with the Hubble telescope.

    Could the Reds have weathered Matt McLain’s injury? Could they have found a way to compensate for Noelvi Marte’s suspension? Is there any chance they could have prepared better for losing CES and TJ Friedl for large chunks of the season? Perhaps if any of those problems had occurred individually, Cincinnati could have found a way to stay afloat through their brutal May schedule. But the cascade of injuries combined with a precipitous drop in production from nearly everyone apart from Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson was simply too much for this team to bear and they are currently buckling under the weight of it all.

    No one should be more frustrated by that than the players who make up the Reds’ rotation. Hunter Greene has faced his share of negativity after signing what (by league standards) was a very modest contract. But this year he has performed very well. He, Graham Ashcraft, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott have put this team in position to win game after game, only to have the bottom erode from under the offense.

    • Hunter Greene ERA: 3.22
    • Andrew Abbott ERA: 3.06
    • Nick Lodolo ERA: 3.34

    They are 15th in team ERA and yet are currently languishing in last place in the National League Central division, mostly due to the fact that they are the second worse team in terms of batting average, at .217. This has been a consistent and well known problem that has not improved since this losing trend began weeks ago. David Bell has shuffled lineups, promoted players, and shifted them around, but nothing has worked. There have been times that we’ve seen the potential to break out of this prolonged slump, and they have been brilliant to watch.

    They went into Dodger Stadium on Shohei Ohtani bobble head night in front of 50,000 hostile fans and dominated one of the best teams in baseball, winning 7-2. They piled up 13 hits against the Diamondbacks that was almost like a tease of what this offense is capable of. But after both games the spark was extinguished and the well was once again bone dry. The missed opportunities began to pile up and runs became as rare as a prime steak at Jeff Ruby’s. A perfect example is Elly De La Cruz going 0 for 13 with eight strikeouts after his four-hit, four-stolen-base game Thursday against those Dodgers that so electrified Reds fans and primed them to believe this offense could finally snap out of its funk. The team as a whole failed to respond after a positive win and were unable to score for 16 consecutive innings at one stretch in the Dodgers series.

    At this point the Reds are like a boxer that spends one round landing haymakers, getting the crowd into it, but then languishes for the rest of the fight taking blow after blow until the good times are but a blurry and faded memory. And watching a team lose seven consecutive series is enough to make even the best fans punch drunk.

    Having realistic expectations of a team is one of the hardest things to do for a fanbase. Hope tends to spring eternal, especially when the Reds played as well as they did last year with such a promising crop of young, exciting players. What those young teams need to take the best steps forward is continuity, support, and reliability. The 2024 Reds have none of those factors, mostly through no fault of their own. Their youngest players are either hurt, suspended, or being asked to carry a major league team on their own when they are barely into their second years. Longer tenured players like Jonathan India and Alexis Diaz are regressing to the point that they are almost unplayable when they should be the ones a team count on to shepherd the team through its toughest stretches. Will Benson has taken giant steps backwards, and it has all seemed to happen at once. Spencer Steer started red hot but has seen his average crater in recent weeks. In his last 25 games he is hitting a paltry .144 and his OPS dropped from .999 to .706. As the Reds’ closer, the man sent in to shut down the best batters in must-win situations, Diaz has a 7.47 ERA, has walked 12 and hit 3 batters in just a little over 15 innings. It’s a good example of just how this team could struggle so mightily in one run games, where they are now 1-11 with 10 straight losses.

    These players have had nearly 50 games to show what they can do and how they can help this team. Batting below or near .200 over that stretch, as several of our batters are (India and Benson among them) make it legitimate to question whether we have seen the true colors of what this Reds team will be? That being a baseball club that simply cannot hit with any consistency because it has such poor depth due to injuries, and who cannot compete with the playoff teams in this league on a nightly basis. The flashes of ability and the sparks of a potential run of good hitting have shown themselves, but they’ve failed to catch on for any length of time for this team to build any sort of momentum. The Reds don’t have stars at multiple positions, they have solid players who are young, and who need to work together as a unit to produce on offense and who grind out every game as they learn and improve. But it’s impossible to grow and to learn when you’re on the disabled list or you have no help from the veteran players on your team.

    As frustrating as it might be to admit, it does not mean that the season is over. The Reds’ pitching and most of its bullpen can keep them in games. Hitting sometimes runs in streaks and players can get hot for stretches of time. That being said, praying that that players buck the statistical trends they’ve established over a quarter of the season isn’t necessarily a recipe for success, and it’s an excruciating way to root for a franchise. It’s hard to imagine what magical tactic David Bell could unveil that could make seasoned players and talented hitters stop taking pitches right down broadway or grounding into double plays, but fairytale turnarounds are what Major League Baseball seasons are designed for. There is no coach to fire that will magically fix the injuries that have plagued this team and bring back the players they need to supercharge the bats that have gone inexplicably silent. The 2023 and 2024 Reds have the exact same record through 46 games. The main difference being that there is no crop of young talent ready to step up and save this team. For better or worse this team is what it is going to be for the next several months.

    Until they show us otherwise, we have seen what this Reds team is, and if it continues along the same lines we have been watching so far it will be a very long summer of begging for runs and lamenting as solid starting pitching (en extreme rarity for teams like the Reds) is flushed down the tubes.

    The Reds can start a new chapter this week and start to chip away at the standings, though. They return home to face the Padres for three games, and those are absolutely critical because they are winnable and a chance to build at least some positivity. And they’ll need it because those same Dodgers will then come in for a series, proceeding the Reds’ first season series against division foe St. Louis.

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Register TODAY for the Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree KIDS!

    Register TODAY for the Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree KIDS!

    Friday, June 7th and Saturday June 8th at Hickory Woods Golf Course

    Monday, June 13th Corporate Outing at O’Bannon Creek Golf Club

    Loveland, Ohio – This year marks the 19th Anniversary of the Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree KIDS! Gather your foursome and join us Friday, June 7th or Saturday, June 8th at Hickory Woods Golf Course or register for the corporate outing on Monday, July 15th at O’Bannon Creek Golf Club!

    Last year the outing raised an incredible $85,000 to fund childhood cancer research with CancerFree KIDS. Register today to be a part of another impactful year at this awesome event coming up in just 3 weeks!

    Learn More and Register Your Foursome

    Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing Research Update

    CancerFree KIDS is proud to have awarded 10 Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing Research Grants over the past 18 years totaling an impressive $450,500!

    Many of these studies are ongoing and will continue to produce important discoveries. Most excitingly, two of these studies have attracted over $7 million in subsequent funding from other sources after CancerFree KIDS’ initial investment.

    In addition to this additional funding, these researchers have published 3 scientific papers and received 3 patents for their novel research. These breakthroughs hold the potential to provide more effective, gentler treatments for kids battling cancer.

    Thank you to all who have supported Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing, you make this promising research possible, we hope you’ll join us for our 2024 event to continue to support this important work!

    Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing Presenting Sponsor

    Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing Eagle Sponsors