Brandon Phillips made his anticipated return to Great American Ballpark on Friday, his first trip to Cincinnati as an Atlanta Brave after 11 years dazzling fans as the second baseman for the Reds.
Ask Hal: Reds can’t trade Votto, so sit back and watch greatness
Hal’s Blog: Reds prove defense can win games - and save them
Friday’s Game: Meso-Bomb - home run wins it in the 10th
Phillips wouldn’t talk to media prior to the game. When in the clubhouse awaiting Phillips arrival, a Braves official informed reporters he wasn’t available. Once on the field, he found time to talk to Fox Sports Ohio and Cincinnati station WLWT-TV on camera; mostly about Cincinnati remaining his hometown, but questioning what he saw as disrespect by letting a new player wear his former No. 4 jersey.
“I can’t believe someone else is wearing my number,” Phillips said to WLWT’s Derek Forrest. “That’s a slap in the face. But I’m always going to be wearing Cincinnati on my chest and I’m always going to be Mr. Cincinnati.
“I am still loyal to this city. I sill stay in Fort Thomas and I have a place in Covington and I come back as much as possible. I still run this piece.”
No. 4 is now on the back of another second baseman - Scooter Gennett, who the Reds signed in the offseason.
About the Author
