September 11, 2025
Cincinnati Reds news
CINCINNATI — Hall of Fame catcher and Cincinnati Reds icon Johnny Bench has made waves across Major League Baseball after publicly addressing his concerns about the team’s current ownership, saying that a change at the top may be necessary for the franchise to truly return to its glory days.
Speaking at a recent Reds alumni event, Bench — widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history and the face of the “Big Red Machine” — did not hold back when asked about the state of the team.
“Cincinnati deserves better. The fans have been loyal through thick and thin, but the truth is, the direction of ownership has not matched the passion of the city,” Bench said. “This team needs leadership willing to invest in championships, not just survival.”
The Reds, who have endured years of inconsistency and struggles to compete in a loaded National League Central, have faced mounting criticism from fans frustrated by limited spending, the departure of key players, and a lack of long-term vision.
Bench emphasized that while the players and coaching staff continue to fight, the ultimate responsibility lies with ownership.
“It’s not about blaming the players. It’s about setting a winning culture from the top down,” he added. “The Reds are one of baseball’s great franchises, and the city of Cincinnati should not have to settle for mediocrity.”
His comments come at a time when fan pressure on ownership has grown louder, with calls for more investment in both talent and infrastructure. Many Reds supporters see Bench’s words as a rallying cry for accountability and hope that his legendary voice will push ownership to make meaningful changes.
For now, the remarks of the franchise’s most iconic figure have put ownership firmly in the spotlight — and ignited fresh debate about the future of baseball in Cincinnati.
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