Marty Brennaman
Signs Off for Final Time
After 46 Years with Reds

by Lou Schwartz

Marty Brennaman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2019 - It was an emotional day at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Thursday as Marty Brennaman, the radio voice of the Reds for the last 46 years, called his final game.

Nearly 28,000 fans were in attendance to celebrate the "Marty Party," and the Reds distributed commemorative transistor radios so fans in the stands could hear his legendary voice one last time.

Unfortunately the home crowd wasn't  treated his signature call, "And this one belongs to the Reds," as the Milwaukee Brewers won the game, 5-3, and swept the three game series.

Brennaman, a Lifetime Member of ASA,  joined Joe Nuxhall on the Reds radio team in 1974 and quickly became part of history, calling Henry Aaron's 714th home run to tie Babe Ruth's record in his first regular season game. His resume also includes three World Series titles, Pete Rose's record breaking 4,192nd career hit, and Tom Seaver's only no-hitter. 

His last call wasn't as memorable; an Alex Blandino strikeout after he failed to check his swing. "And he went around, that's a strikeout and that's your ball game," Brennaman said.

After the game, an emotional Brennaman addressed the crowd taking several pauses and holding back tears.

"I'm proud to say that I'll be here until the day that they pass muster on me for the final time," Brennaman said. "I'm proud to say I'm a Cincinnatian. And for those who are here today and for those who are listening wherever they might be, just know how much you're loved and how much you're appreciated. That's all I got."

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