A season ago, the Cincinnati Reds had the most remarkable turnaround in Major League Baseball.  From six games under .500 and a fourth place finish in the National League Central Division to 20 games over .500, 91 wins and a division title. Leading the way was the National League’s best offense and Most Valuable Player Joey Votto.  Despite that fact, 19 teams in the league – nearly two-thirds of ALL Major League Baseball – had higher attendance for the 2010 season. Thirteen of those 19 had worse records than the Reds; that’s not totally unexpected, considering the division championship. The unexpected thing was which teams drew higher attendance numbers. One of those teams was the Seattle Mariners – a team in a city known for sporadic weather conditions and a football (and soccer) team with higher popularity. They also touted baseball’s second worst record, with 101 losses and 61 wins. Seven venues that had higher attendance than Great American Ballpark hosted teams with sub-.500 records.  Again, the Reds were 20 games above the even mark.

That’s especially disappointing for my hometown; a self- and nationally-described “baseball town.” Yes, there was excitement surrounding the ball club, but support inside the ballpark was simply nonexistent.

This season started with a Reds team as defending division champs. Their offense is again at the top, second (at the moment) to St. Louis in the NL, as well as in the central division race. The change in the product on the field is minimal, as is the change in support inside GABP. In fact, attendance is down by over 1,000 fans a game. That said, it is early in the season, and weather in the Cincinnati area hasn’t cooperated thus far. But  the weather hasn’t cooperated in other places, either. Consider conditions in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York or Minnesota, to name a few, and you have worse conditions than here in the Tri-state. And three of the cities I just mentioned are home to four teams with worse records than the Reds. We can all look at different reasons why this trend continues, but instead I thought I would give reasons why people should go see this great baseball team, and bring the whole family to the ballpark.

First off, Friday nights are always a great way to start your weekend by heading to the ballpark. If you’re single like me, the Reds promote “Free Agent Fridays” for singles, with drink specials and live music all season long.

Fridays are also great for the kids, with fireworks 15 minutes after every game.  And classic rock fans (like me) get a bonus on Friday the 13th – they’ll be set off to the music of Credence Clearwater Revisited.

Every Sunday offers a unique way for the kids to enjoy their trip to the ballpark, actually going onto the playing field and running the bases after the game. I’m still tempted – at 31 – to do this myself; but the possibility of an arrest after diving head first into third (a la Pete Rose) keeps my behind off the field.

When the Pirates come to town on Thursday, May 19th, we have a fan favorite “Business Man’s Special” at GABP. A 12:35PM start, coupled with the Tri-State Centers for Sight Senior Citizen Special (offering half price tickets to those over the age of 60 in advance of game day) make it the perfect day to take mom, dad or your grandparents down to the ballpark. The same senior discount will be offered on Monday, May 30th as well.

The last one I’ll give you is Wednesday, June 8th. It’s another early start, and the Cubs are in town. In this city, I’ll say it’s neck and neck for most hated team between St. Louis and the visitors from Chicago. It is always an electric crowd for this rivalry at Great American Ballpark.

This was once a great baseball town and can be again.  It’s inexpensive to go, with the lowest ticket prices ranging from $5 to $25 for seven different ticket levels; not to mention select concession stands with $1 hot dogs and sodas. This team that Walt Jocketty and the Castellinis have provided is of the highest quality, and are considered the favorite to retain their division crown. We as a city need to give back to them – a local business with a great product. Let’s get out there to show our support!