Reds Hall of Fame inductees announced

The Reds Hall of Fame Class of 2012 has been announced.  It consists of a trio of first basemen from three different eras.

Not surprisingly, Sean Casey was chosen by the fans through the modern-player ballot.  Affectionately known as “The Mayor” during his time in Cincinnati, Casey remains one of the most popular Reds of the last 20 years.  Anyone that has had the pleasure of meeting him, which my wife and I did, knows that his three All-Star appearances and .305 batting average in a Reds uniform take a backseat to his incredible character.

Dan Driessen and John Reilly were elected by the veterans committee.  Driessen was a member of the Big Red Machine and became the first designated hitter in National League history, batting .357 in the 1976 World Series as the Reds swept the New York Yankees.  Reilly was a member of the Reds from 1883-1891.

The 2012 Hall of Fame ceremonies will take place during the weekend of June 22-24 at Great American Ball Park next year.