Reds Caravan in Columbus

About 500 Reds faithful came out to Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio to welcome in the Reds Caravan. Fans were treated to a Q&A with Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, former pitcher Chris Welsh, former Reds first baseman Todd Benzinger, minor league catcher Tucker Barnhart, and Assistant GM Bob Miller moderated by the voice of the Reds, Marty Brennaman. The Q&A was followed by an autograph session, so all in all a pretty fun affair for all!

I caught up with Brandon Phillips before the event officially kicked off and got his thoughts on being a constant participant on the Reds Caravan, what the team’s expectations were for 2013, how many HAM games we could expect, how he felt the 2015 MLB All-Star Game would impact the city of Cincinnati, and his excitement for repping the stars and stripes in the upcoming World Baseball Classic:

Phillips is never shy letting his personality and love for his city come through during his interviews. Perhaps that’s what makes him a fan favorite. That or the fact he is a two time All-Star among other accolades!

Marty Brennaman was good enough to answer a few questions for me as well. He shared his reaction to the crowds attending each stop, growing the Reds brand through the caravan, and his excitement for the city of Cincinnati getting the chance to shine when hosting the 2015 MLB All-Star Game:

Marty was full of fantastic insight and did a great job pandering to his crowd by opening the Q&A with a "Go Bucks!" For more pictures and information on the remaining stops on the Reds Caravan, visit the Reds website or the team's blog at Better off Red.