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In this episode, Mike McConnell shares his lifelong passion for baseball, his career in radio, and his favorite moments and players from the sport. Discover insights into the game, broadcasting, and personal stories that highlight a true fan's journey.

Key Topics

Mike McConnell's early baseball memories and fandom

• His career in radio and transition to Cincinnati Reds broadcasting
• Favorite players and managers in baseball history
• Memorable moments and iconic games
• Insights into baseball culture and broadcasting

Sound Bites

• "I loved the colorful ballpark."
• "The Phillies' 1964 collapse crushed me."
• "I'm conservative fiscally, not morally."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and guest background

01:12
Early memories of Phillies games and the 1964 collapse

04:30
Transition from Phillies to Reds fandom

07:34
Playing Little League and emulating favorite players

08:52
Favorite baseball managers and team dynamics

11:46
Getting into radio and career beginnings

14:13
Name origin and career after retirement

15:07
Post-retirement activities and travel plans

16:12
Golf and sports broadcasting experiences

18:44
Handling politics on radio shows

21:00
Reversing Reds organization decisions

21:52
Players or teams he despises

22:50
Favorite Reds and baseball players

25:50
Dinner party guests and social connections

27:49
Favorite ballpark foods and media dining experiences

29:58
Memorable moments outside the ballpark

40:53
Most amazing moments in baseball

42:42
Hall of Fame players he believes are overlooked

44:54
Favorite Reds uniform and team apparel

46:39
Fastest runners and base running skills

48:44
Final thoughts and appreciation

Jack thanks the listeners

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Join us for a wide-ranging chat with George Vogel, legendary Cincinnati sports journalist and Reds enthusiast. From his early fandom and iconic players to a firsthand account of historic Reds moments, George shares insights and stories from decades of covering Cincinnati sports.

In this episode:

• George’s childhood baseball memories and early Reds fandom
• Favorite Reds players from Johnny Bench to Kyle Schwarber
• Reminiscences of managerial legends Pete Rose and Lou Piniella
• Behind-the-scenes stories of how George broke into sports journalism
• Celebrating key Reds moments like Tom Browning’s perfect game and Pete Rose’s return
• The legendary "most memorable visit" to Reds games
• Personal reflections on the Reds’ decision-making and uniform choices
• Fun categories: favorite Reds head of hair, go-to ballpark foods, and most intimidating players
• George’s take on Reds rivals he despises
• His favorite baseball movies and dream team scenarios

TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:00) – Welcome and introduction to George Vogel
• (01:11) – George’s first memories of Reds and baseball fandom
• (03:39) – Favorite Reds players and how their legacies impacted him
• (07:36) – Interactions with Reds managers and insights into Pete Rose and Lou Piniella
• (10:24) – How George started in broadcasting and his early career path
• (13:46) – Memorable moments from George's career covering Reds and Cincinnati sports
• (19:20) – Redirecting a historical Reds decision with the “time machine” question
• (21:52) – Reds rivalries and players he truly despises
• (23:44) – Designing a Reds Mount Rushmore
• (25:42) – Creating a Reds fantasy dinner party lineup
• (28:12) – Players George wishes to see in Reds uniform
• (29:48) – Favorite ballpark foods and game-day snacks
• (30:42) – The night George remembers where he was for Tom Browning’s perfect game
• (36:08) – George’s favorite baseball movies
• (38:15) – Best Reds uniform design and the iconic look
• (39:35) – Backup players George admires
• (42:25) – Most memorable Reds moments with fans and the city
• (45:57) – The nicest Reds players George has met
• (46:53) – Players he’d want on his bench in a brawl
• (49:37) – Top Reds hairdo and the wildest player nicknames
• (48:35) – Race around the bases: Sanders, Hamilton, or De La Cruz
• (50:46) – George's reflections on his retirement and future plans

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Johnny Bench profile (example placeholder)

• Kyle Schwarber on MLB*

• Tom Browning’s perfect game highlights*

• Reds Uniform History*

• Sean Casey - Reds Player Profile*

• Major League Baseball Movie — "Major League"*

• Trevor Hoffman "Hell's Bells" Walk-Up*

• Cincinnati Sports Hall of Fame (example placeholder)

CONNECT WITH GEORGE:

• Twitter (hypothetical)

• LinkedIn (hypothetical)

ENJOYED THE SHOW?
Subscribe for more Cincinnati sports stories, deep dives, and legendary moments with fans and insiders.#Reds #CincinnatiSports #BaseballHistory #Podcast

Jack thanks the listeners

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In this episode, Ron Sargent shares his remarkable journey from stockboy to CEO, insights into the retail and grocery industries, and his passion for baseball and the Cincinnati Reds. Discover how his experiences shape his leadership and vision for the future of retail and sports sponsorships.

Key Topics

• Ron Sargent's career path from Kroger to Staples and back to Kroger
• The evolution of the grocery shopping experience and e-commerce
• Leadership styles inspired by baseball managers and players
• The impact of sports sponsorships on brand visibility and community engagement
• Innovations in retail technology, including AI and RFID

Guest Name

Ron Sargent

Sound Bites

• "Baseball was America's game in my childhood"
• "Tony Perez was always reliable and clutch"
• "Matt McClain's heart is bigger than his size"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Ron Sargent's Background

01:10
Ron Shares Early Baseball Memories at Crosley Field

03:11
Favorite Reds Players and Managers Through the Years

05:53
Growing Up in Covington and Early Interest in Baseball

09:39
Ron’s Career Path: From Kroger Stockboy to CEO

14:21
Returning to Kroger and Leadership Transition

17:58
The Changing Grocery Shopping Landscape and Customer Expectations

22:25
Innovations in Retail: AI, E-commerce, and Future Trends

25:14
Kroger's Sponsorship of the Cincinnati Reds

28:55
Branding and Local Loyalty in Retail

31:47
Reflections on Reds' Decisions and Legendary Players

34:10
Favorite Reds Players and Memorable Moments

36:54
Building the Reds' Mount Rushmore of Legends

38:14
Dinner Party Guests: Reds and Influential Figures

39:52
Dream Reds and Non-Red Players in a Fantasy Team

41:39
Favorite Ballpark Foods and Memorable Visits

47:35
Favorite Baseball Movies and Cultural Moments

54:11
Most Memorable Reds Moments and Fan Experiences

56:39
Clutch Moments and Game-Winning Plays

58:16
The Nicest Reds Players Met in Person

59:08
Players to Watch in a Brawl: The Mike Tyson Category

01:00:20
Fastest Reds Player: Deion Sanders, Billy Hamilton, or Ellie de la Cruz

01:02:01
Reds Player with the Best Hair: Ellie de la Cruz

01:03:08
Closing Remarks and Thanks from Ron Sargent

Jack thanks the listeners