Fielder's Choice

You would be forgiven for thinking that Mr. Redlegs and Big Boy were related. With their gregarious personalities, unbridled love of Cincinnati, and gigantic heads, they would seem to be cousins, at least.

That familial similarity also includes their long-standing ties to the local baseball team.

“With Frisch’s Big Boy celebrating their 75th anniversary, the Reds joined Frisch’s in paying tribute to Opening Day and turned to the Reds Hall of Fame and museum for some mementos that show the long association between the two entities that last over 50 years,” says Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame.

The exhibit at Frisch’s Mainliner restaurant, 5760 Wooster Pike. includes many pieces that highlight the unique connection between two of Cincinnati’s most beloved institutions These include Crosley Field scorecards from the 1940s along with Frisch’s advertisements on Riverfront/Cinergy Stadium seating charts printed in the yearly pocket schedule cards. The cards will be displayed with one copy showing the cover, and a second copy showing the Frisch’s advertisement inside.  Also on display are scorecards from the Riverfront era as well as those from Crosley Field

. The items originate from the collection of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore.

“From our archives, we were able to supply Crosley Field scorecards along with Frisch’s advertisements through the years on seating charts, pocket schedule cards, ballpark giveaways, and more to be displayed at the iconic Mainliner,” says Walls. 

Also featured will be Frisch’s sponsored Kids Opening Day giveaway hats, including one from the first year of the annual promotion in 2016. Frisch’s also has in its collection samples of the hats from 2019 with Joey Votto’s picture on the crown, and from 2021 with Mr. Redlegs displayed on a trucker-style hat.

 Another popular item is the Frisch’s Gapper Bobble Belly from 2021, handed out last August 7 at a Saturday game with the Pirates.