Cincinnati Reds CEO has revealed that the club is currently planning on erecting an iconic silver statue for one of Her “Greatest of all Times”.

In a surprise announcement, Phil Castellini, CEO of the Cincinnati Reds, has revealed that the club is planning to erect an iconic silver statue in honor of the legendary Johnny Bench, widely regarded as the greatest catcher in baseball history.

The statue, expected to cost over $103.5 million, has sparked intense reactions amongst both fans and insiders,

with some supporting the motion and others vehemently opposing it due to the hefty price tag and current situation the club is facing.

According to Castellini, the statue will be a “fitting tribute” to Bench’s incredible contributions to the Reds’ history and success, including his 10 Gold Glove Awards, 14 All-Star appearances,

and two World Series championships. “Johnny Bench is the embodiment of Reds excellence, and this statue will serve as a permanent reminder of his enduring legacy,” Castellini stated.

The statue, designed by renowned sculptor Tom Tsuchiya, will stand 12 feet tall and weigh over 2,000 pounds, making it an imposing presence outside Great American Ball Park.

The silver finish will be adorned with intricate details, including Bench’s iconic #5 jersey and a replica of his catcher’s mask.

However, not everyone is pleased with the announcement. Critics argue that the cost is excessive, especially considering the team’s current financial situation and other pressing needs,

such as upgrading the ballpark’s amenities and investing in player development. “With the team struggling on the field and facing financial constraints, it’s tone-deaf to spend over $100 million on a statue,” said one fan.

Others have expressed support for the project, citing the importance of honoring the team’s legacy and creating a lasting tribute to a Reds legend. “This statue will be an iconic landmark and a source of pride for the city of Cincinnati,” said another fan. “Johnny Bench deserves nothing less.”

The controversy has sparked a heated debate amongst fans, with some calling for a more modest approach and others advocating for a more significant investment in the team’s on-field performance. “Why not spend that money on signing a top free agent or upgrading our pitching staff?” asked one fan.

As the discussion continues, one thing is certain: the statue will be a defining feature of the Reds’ legacy and a testament to the enduring impact of Johnny Bench’s incredible career. But will it be worth the cost?

Share your thoughts: Should the Reds proceed with the statue, or is the cost too high?

Additional details:

– The statue is expected to be unveiled on Opening Day 2025.

– A special dedication ceremony will be held, featuring Bench and other Reds legends.

– The statue will be surrounded by a plaza, featuring quotes and highlights from Bench’s career.

– The Reds are exploring sponsorship opportunities to help offset the cost.

– A petition has been started by fans opposing the statue, citing the excessive cost.

– The team has released a statement addressing concerns, stating that the statue is a “long-term investment in the franchise’s history and legacy.”

Fans Weigh In

As news of the statue spread, fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Some were ecstatic, while others were more skeptical.

“I’m so excited to see this statue become a reality!” tweeted @RedsFan42. “Johnny Bench is a legend and deserves to be honored in this way.”

“I understand wanting to honor Johnny Bench, but $103.5 million is a ridiculous amount of money,” countered @SportsFan123. “There are better ways to spend that kind of cash.”

Other Teams Take Notice

The announcement has also sparked interest from other teams around the league. Some have praised the Reds for their commitment to honoring their legacy, while others have questioned the wisdom of such a large expenditure.

“I think it’s great that the Reds are investing in their history,” said a spokesperson for the Chicago Cubs. “We’ve seen the impact that iconic landmarks like Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered outfield walls can have on a team’s brand and fan experience.”

As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the statue will be a defining feature of the Reds’ legacy for years to come. Whether or not it’s worth the cost remains to be seen.

In the meantime, fans can look forward to seeing the statue take shape outside Great American Ball Park. And who knows? Maybe one day it’ll be joined by statues of other Reds legends, creating a veritable hall of fame outside the ballpark.

_What do you think? Share your thoughts on the statue and its price tag in the comments below!_

Let me know if you’d like me to add anything else!