Reds Connection: 'Seeing' baseball on the radio

Q: A quote from Cooperstown from Chicago Tribune writer Phil Hersh says, "Baseball is the only game you can see on the radio." Do you turn the sound down on the TV and listen to the radio broadcast or do you listen to the TV guys? And do you listen to either in the pressbox? — Judy, Middletown

A: That's a great quote and oh so true. Sometimes listening to games (with a great announcer like Vin Scully, Ernie Harwell or Marty Brennaman) is better than watching because of the images you can dream up. Me? I listen to the TV guys when watching, and in the pressbox I listen to neither, although I do have a TV for replays — with the sound muted. I like to make my own judgments without being swayed by broadcasters.

Q: Owners have become more generous in passing out baseballs into the stands after the final out of an inning. Is this a new edict from the commissioner? — Don, Winchester, Ohio

A: I have yet to see Reds owner Bob Castellini catch a fly ball and throw it into the stands, but I'm not so sure he couldn't do it. This isn't recent. After the strike of 1994, Commissioner Bud Selig did suggest players become more friendly to win back disgruntled fans, and flipping baseballs into the stands is part of that. Those balls would be tossed out of play after innings anyway, as most baseballs generally are if they get one smudge or one scratch.

Q: Who arranges the players' living quarters, and how about short-term call-ups from the minors? — Bill, Dayton

A: Reds traveling secretary Gary Wahoff wears many hats and one of them is real estate. He helps players find summer lodging in rental homes or condos. Each player is given a lodging stipend. The team puts up short-term players in hotels for a short period, and if they stay with the team Wahoff helps them find more permanent digs.

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