Announcement that will resonate deeply with generations of Cincinnati Reds fans, the franchise has revealed plans to honor the legendary voice of the team, Marty Brennaman, with a bronze sculpture to be unveiled
A Voice Immortalized: Reds to Honor Marty Brennaman with Bronze Sculpture at Great American Ball Park
In an announcement that is sure to stir the hearts of generations of Cincinnati Reds fans, the franchise has revealed plans to pay lasting tribute to one of its most beloved figures. Marty Brennaman—the iconic voice of the Reds for over four decades—will be honored with a bronze sculpture to be unveiled later this year at Great American Ball Park.
For fans who grew up with the soothing cadence of his voice echoing through radios, car speakers, and living rooms, this recognition is more than just a statue—it’s the preservation of a cherished piece of Cincinnati’s soul.
A Voice That Defined Generations
From his first call in 1974 to his emotional farewell in 2019, Marty Brennaman became the voice of summer for countless fans across the Queen City and beyond. Paired with the legendary Joe Nuxhall for many years, the duo formed one of the most beloved broadcast teams in baseball history.
Marty’s signature call—“And this one belongs to the Reds!”—was more than just a phrase. It was a declaration, a celebration, and a rallying cry all wrapped in one. Whether the team was contending for a pennant or grinding through a rebuilding year, Brennaman’s consistent passion, candor, and connection to the fanbase made him a constant in an ever-changing game.
A Legacy Etched in Bronze
The bronze sculpture, which will be placed near the main entrance of Great American Ball Park, will depict Brennaman in a familiar pose: leaning forward at the broadcast booth, headset on, mic in hand, calling the game with the unmistakable energy and eloquence that made him a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Team officials have confirmed that the sculpture will be unveiled during a special pregame ceremony this summer, with Brennaman and his family in attendance. The event promises to be one of the most emotional moments in recent Reds history, bringing together players, fans, and media members who were all touched by his presence.
“This is more than just a tribute to a great broadcaster,” said Reds CEO Phil Castellini. “This is about honoring someone who became part of our city’s identity. Marty brought the game to life for generations of fans. He was our storyteller, our companion through the highs and lows, and now, his legacy will be permanently enshrined where it belongs—at the ballpark he helped define.”
A Career of Firsts and Final Goodbyes
Brennaman’s career with the Reds began in 1974 with a bang. His first regular-season broadcast just happened to include Hank Aaron’s record-tying 714th home run. Over the years, he would go on to call three World Series championships (1975, 1976, and 1990), numerous no-hitters, and countless unforgettable moments.
He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, one of the highest honors in baseball broadcasting. But beyond the accolades, it was Marty’s connection to the fans that defined his legacy.
When he announced his retirement in 2019, fans from all over the country flooded the Reds with letters, calls, and memories. His final broadcast was a city-wide event, capped by an emotional farewell at Great American Ball Park that brought tears to the eyes of even the most stoic baseball fans.
A Homegrown Tribute
The sculpture will be created by a local artist with deep ties to the Cincinnati arts community. The design process has involved close consultation with the Brennaman family to ensure authenticity—not just in physical likeness, but in spirit.
“It was important to us that this wasn’t just a statue of Marty—it had to feel like Marty,” said sculptor Tom Tsuchiya, known for his previous work on Reds Hall of Fame statues. “We wanted to capture that moment of connection, when a fan hears that voice and instantly knows they’re home.”
In addition to the statue, a small exhibit area will accompany the sculpture, including audio recordings of famous calls, memorabilia from his broadcast booth, and fan-submitted tributes that reflect the personal bond so many felt with Marty.
A Beloved Voice, Never Forgotten
For those who listened to Marty Brennaman day in and day out, this tribute is long overdue. He wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was the trusted narrator of summer afternoons, the wise voice over long road trips, the soundtrack to a thousand memories.
In a sport that thrives on tradition, continuity, and storytelling, few have done more to elevate the game than Marty. He chronicled the triumphs and tribulations of the Reds with integrity and emotion, never shying away from tough truths but always celebrating the magic of baseball.
Now, generations to come will walk past his sculpture at Great American Ball Park and ask, “Who was he?” And fans—parents, grandparents, friends—will smile and say, “That’s Marty Brennaman. He was the voice of our team.”
And in those retellings, his voice will echo once more.
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