Happy Friday. I'll start by saying I understand the disappointment over Jeff Piecoro, Doug Flynn and Danny Graves being told they won't be part of TV or radio broadcast teams for 2021 Cincinnati Reds games on the soon-to-be Bally Sports Ohio.
Dropping Piecoro after 23 years with Fox Sports Ohio is not just a huge bummer for Reds fans. It's a head-scratcher. (Note: I like Flynn and Graves a lot, too, but Piecoro's the one whose absence will be most noticeable to those who haven't missed many games on TV since the late '90s.
My first impression of Piecoro happened years and years ago in an elevator at GABP when I was 20-something. He jokingly gave me grief about the Kent Mercker Spring Training jersey I was wearing that I'd gotten from a mystery grab bag at Redsfest. It seemed out of left field because I didn't even know him. (Little did I know a bunch of guys are tight with Mercker, or that Piecoro was so outgoing.)
In the few conversations I've had since with Piecoro, I now know he's the nicest guy you'll meet. He's a natural on the air, and he's no doubt established a rapport - as he said here, per Reds beat writer Bobby Nightengale - with countless people within the Reds' organization, their broadcast crews, former Reds, et al.
I had a dream side gig at Montgomery's Green Diamond Gallery before it closed in 2019. I met a lot of people who were blown away by Bob Crotty's collection when they visited - none more so than Piecoro. He couldn't get enough of that place. He came to the gallery to emcee a Midland Baseball event and interview former Loveland High School standout Adam Engel of the Chicago White Sox. When it was over, Piecoro told me he jumped at every chance he got to be there. And if the gallery EVER needed him for anything - to please let him know.
Piecoro regularly impressed in interviews with players in addition to his analysis, and most recently navigated the challenges of being the dugout reporter during a pandemic. He'll continue working as a Kentucky Wildcats football/basketball/baseball play-by-play/analyst, but the void he leaves on Reds' TV broadcasts won't be easy to fill. He will be missed, and I'm definitely not the only one saying that. (Do a search for "Piecoro" on Twitter and you'll see what I mean.)
VERY INTERESTING NOTE about the Redlegs via Twitter from Joel Luckhaupt:
GOOD FOR THE BENGALS' TWITTER account for raising eyebrows but not crossing the line with this clever tweet:
That JuJu hit is fair game, and a GIF many Bengals fans can watch over and over.
I USUALLY WRITE in between the beats and about players who are from here or used to play here, so there were a couple of intersections this week I found interesting:
The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins could have had former Madeira High School standout Andrew Benintendi in a three-team trade but instead signed former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Duvall.
And the trade of Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts means he goes from working with former UC Bearcats standout Jason Kelce as his center to working with former Lakota West High School standout Ryan Kelly.
AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR FAVORITE -ESPONDENTS ...
Funmaster Brien says head to Wooden Cask for laughs and libations.
This Saturday, Wooden Cask Brewing Company is hosting the "Brewery Comedy Tour." This event is part of a nationwide tour of "top notch" comedians, who have already performed at over 1500 breweries. There will be 2-4 comedians, and while I sure do wish I knew who was going to be down at York Street in Newport this weekend, I am assured they are all seasoned vets of the funny business - with credits in television shows, movies, and (most importantly) plenty of time with their acts on the road.
Tickets are $13 and this is a great chance to check out Wooden Cask's facilities - owned and operated by Randy and Karen Schiltz. The couple has an affinity for Irish, Scottish, and English beers, but their taproom explores many other brewing possibilities. "Reformation," their Scottish Stout, is my favorite. Although, "Citrannati," the cleverly named Double IPA is also worth a look. Chef Beena is in charge of their pub food, if you need some beef sliders, or a shrimp po’boy.
If you cannot make it this Saturday, the event will be recurring on Saturday, March 20th. Head over to eventbrite.com for tickets. Or to woodencask.com for more information on the brewery.
Imbiber Dave recommends Belgian brew ...
My next amazing drink comes from Belgium. This excellent libation was lovingly produced by Gouden Carolus the brewery responsible for several excellent beers including their most famous Tripel.
I was lucky enough to taste their first ever single malt whiskey this week, and I really enjoyed it. The whiskey boon globally has done nothing but help the casual and avid drinker alike. These amazing and innovative products are popping up everywhere.
Belgian beers are all about the yeast, which give their strong ales, witbiers, and triples their distinct flavor. Similarly, the single malt has a light, smooth body, without the smoky peat finish of a scotch. Instead, this whiskey that is again aged in KY bourbon barrels and finished in wine casks, has a subtle funkiness from the yeast. Different from hop or peat, but this 100% barley mash bill really drinks well.
Excited to see what other crazy creations are going to pop up around the globe. Cheers! [email protected]
TUNE O' THE DAY:
Nelson. Not The Simpsons character - the band. As in twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar. One of their best here:
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