Posted on 06/13/2004 6:18:36 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
Cincinnati Reds CEO Gives Military Members 'Two Thumbs Up'By Donna Miles WASHINGTON, June 13, 2004 -- When the Cincinnati Reds' chief executive officer returned earlier this week to Forward Operating Base Eagle in Tuzla, Bosnia- Herzegovina, following a foot patrol through a local town, he presented the Indiana National Guard troops there with an unusual gift: the promise of tickets to a Reds game when they return home from their deployments.
"It seemed like the right thing to do," John Allen said of his gesture. "Hopefully they can come and bring their families and see a game on me." Then, with a laugh, he added, "They can buy the beer." Allen, a participant in the 2004 Joint Civilian Orientation Course, traveled with about 50 other leaders in business, education, publishing and local politics this week to see military operations firsthand and meet the men and women who carry them out. Acknowledging that early June is one of his busiest times of the year, Allen didn't let that get in the way of getting a close-up-and-personal look at soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in today's armed forces. Allen said he grew up in a patriotic family and volunteered for duty in Vietnam. He was medically evacuated from the theater with a severe wound to his right hand, but said he's always maintained his pride in the U.S. military. When agents for some of his players who had been on previous Joint Civilian Orientation Conference trips recommended that Allen might also want to go, his interest was piqued. "Ever since Sept. 11 (2001), everyone has been keenly aware of our military," he said. Allen said he wasn't convinced he was getting the whole story about the military from the media, so he wanted to check things out for himself. What he found, he said, was "phenomenal." The men and women in uniform he met "are extremely competent and they love their country," he said. "They're overwhelming." Allen said he looks forward to returning to Cincinnati to share his impressions with the community. "It's going to be a great message to tell when I go back," he said. Related Articles:
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John Allen, Cincinnati Reds' CEO -- said he wasn't convinced he was getting the whole story about the military from the media, so he wanted to check things out for himself.
What he found, he said, was "phenomenal." The men and women in uniform he met "are extremely competent and they love their country," he said. "They're overwhelming."
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Ping!
Great, maybe Allen can get a clue from some of the Indiana Reds fans by convicing Lindler to SPEND for some talent outside of Griffey, Dunn, Kearns and Casey.
(yes...getting swept by the Indians is a bitter pill to swallow)
You might not have heard but the Reds have changed their historic approach to growing their own team via the farm system. They intend to continue that -- they believe that the farm system is the only way a smaller market can compete with the larger markets ability to simply buy good players.
However, historically Cincinnati has focused on growing hitters. Their team history testifies to this. Reds teams over the years have been great run producers.
The focus will shift to pitching. In a way it makes sense. A few excellent pitchers can carry you game after game. But a staff that gives up 5-7 runs a game can give even the best hitting club a run for their money.
I've often wondered why a Clemmons or a Johnson didn't fight to get on a run-scoring team like Cincy. They'd have a shot at being 30 game winners if they could count on 4-7 runs every time they pitched.
Biiiiiiiiiiiiingo.
He needs to get on your ping list, RC.
Bump!
With the success this team has enjoyed the first half, adding an arm wouldnt hurt just to test this team's chances.
If the past 10 years is any indication about home growing pitching, im frightened. Hopefully, O'Brien can turn that part of the Reds failures around.
not one prospect the Reds have drafted as a #1 has amounted to anything.
The thing that concerns me is that they're going to give up growing hitters in exchange for growing pitchers.
But you are correct....you need former great pitchers or coaches of great pitchers to identify and bring on great pitchers.
Bump!
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