We Love Our Team

Randy Freking and Jack Greiner
  • 5.0 (12)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Jack Greiner and Randy Freking and their guests for a podcast devoted to the Cincinnati Reds. They will answer the existential question of why so many people love the Reds or as the song goes, why are so many people batty about Cincinnati? Our podcast will feature Reds fans from far and wide. Our guests will include well known people who are Reds fans, including authors who have written books about the Reds, celebrities who are long time Reds fans, social media Influencers, and other other personalities. GO REDS! 

  1. 5D AGO

    Season 5, Episode 11: Justin McGuire and "Baseball By The Book"

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of "We Love Our Team," hosts Jack Greiner and Randy Freking welcome Justin McGuire, a seasoned journalist and host of the podcast "Baseball by the Book." The conversation delves into Justin's early baseball fandom, his favorite players, and his career journey, including his time as a baseball editor for the Sporting News. Justin shares insights into his podcast, which focuses on baseball literature, and discusses memorable baseball moments and figures. The episode is filled with nostalgic reflections on baseball history, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions about the sport's cultural impact. This summary captures the essence of the episode by highlighting the personal stories and historical insights shared, appealing to both baseball enthusiasts and those interested in storytelling. Top Insights The evolution of baseball leadership reflects broader cultural shifts.Baseball history demonstrates the importance of social context over time.The changing face of baseball strategies reflects a broader realignment of mental models.The craft of sports storytelling preserves cultural memory and shapes values.Emotional connections to iconic moments reveal the power of personal memory in shaping perception.The enduring relevance of classical aesthetics speaks to the principle of design simplicity.Diving into systemic issues through storytelling reveals how narratives shape societal change. Chapters Introduction and Justin’s baseball fandom originsEarly Orioles memories and favorite playersPlaying Little League and managing skillsLegendary managers like Earl Weaver and baseball personality changesJustin’s career in baseball journalism and podcast journeyThe enduring appeal of baseball literature and notable booksHistory of black players before Jackie RobinsonA compelling story from the 1955 Charleston Little League teamThe Yankees late 70s dominance and disliked playersBaseball Mount Rushmore: Ruth, Robinson, Rickey, and MaysThe significance of Marvin Miller in baseball historyFun topics: favorite uniforms, ballpark foods, and memorable momentsFavorite baseball movies like The Bad News Bears and Bull DurhamJustin’s ideal walk-up song and baseball traditionsClassic uniforms and personal favoritesMost memorable visits to the ballpark and game momentsNicest player met in person: Rod CarewJustin’s thoughts on Pete Rose and gambling in baseballFuture baseball stadium visits and closing remarks Jack thanks the listeners

    47 min

  2. MAY 5

    Season 5, Episode 10: Brendon Cull, President and CEO of Cincinnati Regional Chamber

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore Brendon Cull's journey from baseball fandom to leading the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. Discover insights on Cincinnati's community, sports culture, and economic development, all through Brendan’s engaging stories and expertise. Key Topics Brendon Cull's baseball memories and fandom Impact of professional sports on Cincinnati's economyCincinnati's community development and growthHistorical insights into Cincinnati's sports venues and teamsLeadership and initiatives of the Cincinnati ChamberSound Bites "I came to Cincinnati for Xavier University.""I despise the St. Louis Cardinals.""Johnny Gomes for a bench clearing brawl."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brendon Cull and His Baseball Journey 02:50 Transitioning from Dodgers to Reds Fandom 05:30 Brendan's Connection to Cincinnati and Xavier University 10:56 The Role of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce 16:01 The Economic Impact of the Reds on Cincinnati 21:23 Cincinnati's Renaissance and Community Growth 23:37 Fan Perspectives and Rivalries in Baseball 27:14 Dinner Party with Reds Greats 30:06 Memorable Reds Moments 33:34 Must-Read Baseball Books 36:02 Best Reds Pitchers for Clutch Situations 36:40 Favorite Baseball Movies 38:06 Walk-Up Songs and Music Influence 39:04 Favorite Reds Uniforms 39:43 Unforgettable Game Experiences 40:26 Meeting Reds Legends 41:44 Choosing a Fighter for a Brawl 42:40 Speed Demons on the Basepaths 43:19 Best Hair in Reds History 44:11 Cincinnati's Rich History and Future Jack thanks the listeners

    46 min

  3. APR 28

    Season 5, Episode 9: David Pepper, Mr. Cincinnati

    Send us Fan Mail Jack Greiner and Randy Freking welcome David Pepper, a lifelong Cincinnatian and former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. The conversation covers David's deep-rooted passion for the Cincinnati Reds, sharing nostalgic memories and discussing favorite players like Eric Davis and Ken Griffey Jr. David also talks about his political journey, his books on gerrymandering, and his candidacy for lieutenant governor alongside Amy Acton. The episode is filled with engaging anecdotes, baseball trivia, and a shared love for Cincinnati sports. Keywords: Cincinnati RedsDavid PepperEric DavisKen Griffey Jr.Ohio Democratic PartyGerrymanderingAmy ActonBaseball nostalgiaCincinnati sportsPolitical journeyChapters: Introduction and Guest Welcome (0:00 - 0:42) Hosts introduce David Pepper and his background.Reds Fandom and Early Memories (0:42 - 2:39) David shares his early experiences as a Reds fan.Favorite Players and Baseball Stories (2:39 - 5:40) Discussion about favorite players like Eric Davis and Ken Griffey Jr.Political Career and Writing (5:40 - 14:18) David talks about his political journey and his books.Running for Lieutenant Governor (14:18 - 17:09) Insights into David's candidacy with Amy Acton.Baseball and Politics (17:09 - 22:32) The intersection of sports fandom and political life.Fun Categories and Personal Stories (22:32 - 42:54) Engaging segments like "Marty McFly" and "Mount Rushmore" of Reds players.Conclusion and Optimism for the Season (42:54 - End) Closing thoughts and excitement for the upcoming baseball season. Jack thanks the listeners

    44 min

  4. APR 21

    Season 5, Episode 8: Gary Schatz, a Character of the Game and Statistician

    Send us Fan Mail This episode is sponsored by LeRosa's Pizzeria! Listen and Win. Join us as we chat with Gary Schatz, son of Dick Schatz, a dedicated Reds fan and baseball statistician since 1992. Discover his insights on Reds history, memorable moments, and his unique perspective on the game. Key Topics Gary Schatz's baseball fandom originsFavorite Reds players and managersMemorable Reds games and momentsInsights on Reds history and playersPersonal stories and anecdotesSound Bites    "Vada Pinson belongs in the Hall of Fame""Tony Perez is the ultimate clutch hitter" Jack thanks the listeners

    44 min

  5. APR 14

    Season 5, Episode 7: David Shannon and The Unmarked Graves Project; Preserving Reds History

    Send us Fan Mail Join David Shannon as we explore the fascinating world of Reds fandom, historic moments, and a unique project dedicated to unmarked graves of former Reds players. Discover stories, insights, and the passion behind preserving baseball history. Key Topics Reds fandom and early memoriesThe Unmarked Graves Project and its missionHistorical Reds players and their storiesThe process of researching and installing gravesitesMemorable Reds moments and playersSound Bites "Really good tickets probably cost $10 or $15""Mario Soto was my favorite Reds player""Hank Gastrite pitched a no-hitter in 1924"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Shannon and His Project 13:32 The Unmarked Graves Project: Mission and Impact 31:12 Reconnecting Through History 34:46 Fundraising for Forgotten Players 37:22 Upcoming Projects and Community Engagement 42:33 Reflecting on Reds History 46:08 Dinner Party with Reds Legends 48:09 Dreaming of Future Reds 48:42 Ballpark Favorites and Memorable Moments 51:06 Baseball Movies and Clichés 52:49 Favorite Reds Uniforms Jack thanks the listeners

    56 min

  6. APR 7

    Season 5, Episode 6: Rick Redman, Louisville Slugger Museum Secrets!

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Join us as Rick Redman, Vice President of Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, shares his lifelong passion for baseball, insights into the iconic brand, and memorable moments from his career. Discover the rich history of Louisville Slugger, legendary players, and the cultural significance of America's pastime. Key Topics History of Louisville SluggerMemorable Baseball MomentsLegendary Players and Their BatsSound Bites "Baseball mirrors life, ups and downs, keep swinging.""Louisville Slugger is an iconic name worldwide.""Ozzie Smith and Eddie Murray were high school teammates."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rick Redman and Baseball Fandom 10:19 Favorite Players and Managers in Baseball 20:17 Journey to Louisville Slugger Museum 30:18 Noteworthy Prospects and Players in Louisville 35:47 Authenticity in Sports Conversations 36:27 Nostalgia for Childhood Teams 37:29 Rivalries and Dislike for Teams 39:05 The Impact of Iconic Players 42:18 Mount Rushmore of Reds Legends 44:13 Dinner Party with Baseball Legends 50:08 Dream Players for the Reds 52:00 Ballpark Food Favorites 52:35 Memorable Reds Moments 54:25 Clutch Moments in Reds History 55:22 Best Pitcher for Critical Situations 56:41 Favorite Baseball Movies 57:54 Walk-Up Songs for Players 58:43 Favorite Reds Uniforms 59:52 Favorite Backup Players Jack thanks the listeners

    1h 4m

  7. MAR 31

    Season 5, Episode 5: Jim Borgman, Tom Borgman, and Bob Hust; Prepare to Laugh

    Send us Fan Mail Three Elder Panthers share their stories about spring training, their younger fandom, favorite players, their choices for Reds Mount Rushmore, players/teams they dislike, and much more. Entertaining to say the least! Key Frameworks Lifelong fandom storiesSpring training behind-the-scenesIconic moments in Reds historyAction Items Share your own Reds memories on social mediaVisit spring training sites to experience the Reds cultureLearn more about Reds legends and historySound Bites "Jim Maloney was my favorite player.""Pete Rose's fight in the 73 playoffs.""The Johnny Bench home run story."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lifelong Reds Fandom 03:19 Early Memories of Baseball and the Reds 06:21 Favorite Players and Personal Connections 09:17 Spring Training Experiences and Connections 12:18 Reflections on Reds Management Decisions 14:23 Despicable Players and Rivalries 24:00 Nostalgic Baseball Memories 24:34 Living in the Heart of Rivalry 27:51 Mount Rushmore of Reds Legends 31:42 Memorable Ballpark Experiences 38:00 Dream Players in a Reds Uniform 41:02 Significant Moments Away from the Ballpark 44:48 Clutch Moments and Legendary Players 47:53 Baseball Legends and Favorite Players 48:54 The Best Baseball Movies 51:23 Iconic Baseball Uniforms 53:15 Unsung Heroes of Baseball 55:21 Bench Clearing Brawls and Tough Players 57:23 Memorable Moments in Baseball History Jack thanks the listeners

    1h 7m

  8. MAR 24

    Season 5, Episode 4: Rosie Reds President Melissa Hurd's Baseball Journey and Community Impact

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we chat with Melissa Hurd, president of the Rosie Reds, about her lifelong passion for baseball, her involvement in the Cincinnati Reds community, and her insights on the game, players, and organization. Discover how the Rosie Reds support the community and what makes baseball so special to fans like Melissa. Key Topics Melissa Hurd's baseball fandom and early memoriesThe history and mission of the Rosie Reds organizationCommunity involvement and philanthropic efforts of the Rosie RedsFavorite Reds players and memorable momentsInsights on Reds organization decisions and fan perspectivesSound Bites "I don't like Yelich or Rizzo.""Paul Skeens would be my choice.""Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Hurd and Her Baseball Journey 03:49 Favorite Players and Managers 06:21 Joining the Rosie Reds Organization 08:50 Community Involvement and Philanthropy 13:30 Traveling with the Rosie Reds 16:03 Favorite Ballpark Foods and Experiences 19:01 Mount Rushmore of Reds Players 19:54 Dinner Party Guests and Dream Players 22:05 Favorite Ballpark Foods and Tailgating Experiences 23:46 Memorable Moments Outside the Ballpark 24:04 Memorable Moments in Baseball History 25:29 Clutch Players: Who Would You Choose? 26:38 Best Pitchers in Reds History 26:56 Favorite Baseball Movies and Their Impact 27:52 The Future of Baseball: Salary Caps and Labor Disputes 29:54 Walk-Up Songs: Setting the Mood 30:34 Favorite Reds Uniforms: A Fashion Statement 31:52 Favorite Backup Players: Unsung Heroes 33:27 Family and Baseball: A Legacy of Fandom 35:35 Joining the Rosie Reds: Community and Involvement Jack thanks the listeners

    41 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Join Jack Greiner and Randy Freking and their guests for a podcast devoted to the Cincinnati Reds. They will answer the existential question of why so many people love the Reds or as the song goes, why are so many people batty about Cincinnati? Our podcast will feature Reds fans from far and wide. Our guests will include well known people who are Reds fans, including authors who have written books about the Reds, celebrities who are long time Reds fans, social media Influencers, and other other personalities. GO REDS! 

Information

  • Creator
    Randy Freking and Jack Greiner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 We Love Our Team
  • Show Website
    We Love Our Team

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