The Return of Tucker Barnhart to Cincinnati
The Chicago Cubs faced off against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night, and all eyes were on Tucker Barnhart. The Cubs catcher, who spent his entire career with the Reds before being traded to the Tigers and then to the Cubs, made his much-anticipated return to Cincinnati.
Barnhart is a two-time Gold Glove winner, known for his strong defense behind the plate. He already proved his worth by getting his first hit with the Cubs in the game against the Reds. However, his impact on the Cubs goes beyond just his playing ability.
Barnhart’s Reputation as a Teammate
Barnhart has a reputation for being an exceptional teammate both on and off the field. His approach is influenced by a conversation he had with former teammate Skip Schumaker back in 2014, where he realized the importance of being a good teammate.
Barnhart is generous towards his fellow players, offering advice and support whenever needed. He even brought his gift-giving tradition to the Cubs by giving watches and sparkling cider to catchers and pitching coaches involved in a no-hitter during spring training.
The Reds Honor Barnhart
Before Tuesday’s game, the Reds honored Barnhart with a video tribute celebrating his time and accomplishments with the team. The tribute highlighted his two Gold Gloves and debut as a Major League player.
Reds manager David Bell also expressed his admiration for Barnhart, stating that he was an essential part of not just the team but also the community and organization. Bell greeted Barnhart warmly before the game, acknowledging him as an important leader for the team that qualified for playoffs in 2020.
Other Highlights From the Reds-Cubs Series
Aside from Barnhart’s return, there were other notable moments and players in the series between the Reds and Cubs. Dansby Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Cubs in the offseason, proved his worth in the first four games.
Pitcher Hayden Wesneski also made an impressive debut for the Cubs in the second game of the series. The young pitcher had a successful spring training and had already made his major league debut last September against the Reds. On the other hand, Reds pitcher Luis Cessa, who made the move from bullpen to rotation last season, started for the Reds.
Conclusion
Tucker Barnhart’s return to Cincinnati was surely a sentimental moment not just for him but also for fans of the Reds. He may be playing for a different team now, but his impact as a leader and teammate will never be forgotten. As for the Cubs, they have gained not just an outstanding player but also a valuable asset in their pursuit of success.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
