In a move that is sure to resonate with generations of Reds fans, the Cincinnati Reds organization has announced that a bronze sculpture honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman will be unveiled outside Great American Ball Park on September 6, 2025. The long-anticipated tribute to the voice of the Reds will capture Brennaman in his iconic pose — seated behind the radio microphone — symbolizing his 46 unforgettable years calling games for the franchise.
The statue will be installed along Joe Nuxhall Way, joining other Reds legends who have been immortalized in bronze. According to the Reds, the sculpture will be life-sized and detailed, portraying Brennaman mid-broadcast, headphones on, eyes focused, and microphone in hand — the very image that accompanied fans for nearly five decades.
A Voice That Echoed Through Generations
Marty Brennaman, who retired after the 2019 season, became synonymous with Reds baseball. Known for his signature call, “And this one belongs to the Reds!” Brennaman developed a deep bond with the Cincinnati faithful since he first stepped into the Reds’ broadcast booth in 1974. Over the course of 46 seasons, he called more than 7,500 games, narrating some of the franchise’s most historic moments — including three World Series titles in 1975, 1976, and 1990.
His partnership with the late Joe Nuxhall remains one of the most iconic duos in baseball broadcasting history. The pair’s camaraderie, humor, and raw passion brought baseball to life for fans across the region.
“Simply put, Marty was the heartbeat of Reds baseball for generations,” said Reds President and COO Phil Castellini in a press release. “His voice carried the story of our franchise into homes, cars, and hearts across the country. Honoring his legacy with this sculpture is not just fitting — it’s necessary.”
A Day of Celebration
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon of September 6, 2025, ahead of that evening’s Reds home game against the Chicago Cubs. The event is expected to draw large crowds, including Reds fans, former players, broadcasters, and dignitaries from around Major League Baseball. Marty Brennaman himself is expected to attend the unveiling, along with members of his family and longtime colleagues.
“The fans are the real reason I’ve had such a blessed career,” Brennaman said in a statement following the announcement. “To be recognized in this way by the team I’ve loved for so long, in the city I consider home — it’s truly overwhelming. I’m honored and grateful beyond words.”
A special pregame ceremony is also planned for that night, featuring video tributes, special guests, and an on-field celebration of Brennaman’s career. Limited-edition commemorative merchandise, including pins, shirts, and collectible programs, will be available to fans in attendance.
From Virginia Roots to Cincinnati Royalty
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Marty Brennaman began his broadcasting career in minor league baseball and made a name for himself calling Virginia Tech basketball. His break into Major League Baseball came in 1974 when he was selected to succeed the legendary Al Michaels in the Reds booth — no small task. But from his very first game, it was clear that Brennaman was a special voice.
Over the years, his no-nonsense commentary, impeccable timing, and fearless honesty earned him respect from listeners and players alike. While never afraid to criticize when necessary, Brennaman always maintained an underlying love for the game and a deep respect for the fans.
In 2000, he received the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the broadcasting elite.
Tributes from Across Baseball
News of the upcoming sculpture has sparked an outpouring of praise from across the baseball world.
“Few broadcasters have left a mark on a city the way Marty did in Cincinnati,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “His voice was as much a part of Reds baseball as the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd. This tribute is a beautiful way to honor that legacy.”
Current Reds broadcaster Tommy Thrall, who succeeded Brennaman, echoed those sentiments. “I had the privilege of working alongside Marty, and I learned so much from him — not just about broadcasting, but about professionalism, humility, and connecting with fans. This statue ensures his legacy will live on for generations.”
More Than a Broadcaster
Beyond his professional achievements, Brennaman is known for his charitable work and community involvement in Cincinnati. He has supported numerous local initiatives and has been a prominent figure in fundraising efforts for health care and youth organizations.
He also showed a personal side that endeared him to fans. Whether it was shaving his head in solidarity with cancer patients or cracking jokes with fans in spring training, Brennaman always remained accessible, human, and genuine.
A Permanent Place in Reds History
With this sculpture, the Reds are ensuring that Marty Brennaman’s presence will remain an integral part of the Great American Ball Park experience. For every fan who ever tuned in to hear a Reds game on the radio — from the Big Red Machine to rebuilding years — the voice behind the mic was a constant.
As Reds fan Allison Moore, a season ticket holder for over 30 years, put it: “It won’t be a trip to the ballpark without passing Marty’s statue and hearing his voice in your head. He’s part of our lives.”
Come September 6, 2025, the bronze may be cold, but the memories it represents will be warm and eternal.
