In a moment that bridges past and present, the Cincinnati Reds have announced plans to immortalize one of the most beloved voices in baseball, longtime broadcaster Marty Brennaman, with a bronze statue set to be unveiled outside Great American Ball Park later this year.
The news has been met with overwhelming praise from Reds fans, players, and sports figures nationwide, many of whom grew up hearing Brennaman’s unmistakable voice call some of the most iconic moments in franchise history.
A Voice That Became Tradition
For 46 seasons, from 1974 to 2019, Marty Brennaman was more than a play-by-play announcer—he was the soundtrack of Cincinnati summers. Whether it was a dramatic walk-off home run, a tense playoff race, or a moment of heartbreak, Brennaman’s call was woven into the emotional fabric of Reds baseball.
His signature phrase—“And this one belongs to the Reds!”—became a ritual for fans, repeated in living rooms, cars, and stadium seats across Ohio and beyond.
“Marty wasn’t just our announcer,” said Reds CEO Phil Castellini. “He was a member of our families, our game-day traditions, and our city’s identity. Honoring him with a statue is the least we can do to thank him for a lifetime of memories.”
The Statue: A Tribute in Bronze
The statue, to be designed by acclaimed sculptor Tom Tsuchiya (known for his statues of Reds legends like Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan), will depict Brennaman in the broadcast booth, microphone in hand, mid-call—forever captured in the role he performed with such grace and authenticity.
It will be installed along the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Legacy Walk”, surrounded by statues of the franchise’s most storied figures.
An Emotional Moment for Marty and the Fans
In a statement following the announcement, Brennaman expressed both humility and deep gratitude.
“To have my voice remembered alongside the great players and moments of Reds history is beyond anything I ever imagined,” he said. “This honor isn’t just about me—it’s about the fans who welcomed me into their lives for so many years.”
A Legacy Beyond Baseball
Over his career, Brennaman earned numerous accolades, including the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the personal connection he maintained with Reds fans—always candid, always passionate, and always true to the game.
In many ways, this statue doesn’t just commemorate a broadcaster—it enshrines the emotional bond between a city and its baseball team.
Looking Ahead
The statue unveiling ceremony is expected to take place later this summer, with former players, broadcasters, and fans expected to attend. It promises to be one of the most heartfelt moments in recent Reds history—a celebration not only of a man but of the generations who grew up listening to him.
As Cincinnati prepares to honor its legendary voice in bronze, one thing is certain: this one truly does belong to Marty.
