The Cincinnati Reds have made it official, as the club has announced the establishment of the Greeneville Reds (Rookie; Appalachian League) for the 2018 season.
Last week, it was learned that the Reds would be moving forward with the placement of a Greeneville team in the Appalachian League. Multiple teams—including the Reds, Phillies, and Indians–showed interest in establishing a Greeneville affiliate, after the Houston Astros brought an end to the Greeneville Astros following the 2017 season.
The Reds announced the Greeneville team as part of a caravan event on Friday. More from The Citizen Tribune:
Tusculum president Dr. James Hurley and board of trustee member Dr. Scott M. Niswonger shared the announcement with a jam-packed board room at the new Meen Center for Science and Mathematics.
Reds and Fox Sports broadcaster Thom Brennaman served as master of ceremonies, while several members of the Reds front office were also present including CEO Bob Castellini, president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini, and senior director of player development Jeff Graupe. Also in attendance were other Cincinnati personnel, along with Reds outfielder Philip Ervin, minor league outfielder TJ Friedl, roving catching instructor and former Cincinnati catcher Corky Miller and mascot Mr. Redlegs.
Mr. Castellini introduced new Greeneville Reds general manager Paul Kleinhans-Schultz to the nearly 100 fans and media in attendance.
The Reds will play their games at Pioneer Park, which originally opened for the Astros in 2004.
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