FAIRBORN -- "Brandon Phillips," yelled Marty Brennaman and the crowd roared in Fairborn,
"It's like meeting the president of the Reds," said Johnathan Owens.
Owens was one of many to pack the Air Force Museum to see the Reds and mainly one man, Brandon Phillips.
The all-star snapped photos before the event, amazed by the turnout.
"It feels good, this is what it's all about. Giving back to fans and letting them get to know us as normal people," said Phillips.
Travis Smith of Springfield was a ball of nerves at the idea of meeting his hero.
"It's pretty cool. I've never met Brandon Phillips or any Reds player before so it's kind of exciting."
After a playoff run in 2012 Reds fans have come out in record numbers this weekend in cities all over Ohio, but nowhere near as many as the two thousand at the Air Force Museum.
"The crowds are always big, but the biggest difference is the level of enthusiasm for the people we crossed paths with over the four days when you have the kind of club this team has and the expectation everyone has as far as the season is concerned," said Brennaman
No player understands the importance of Reds support more then Brandon Phillips.
"Just giving back, that's what it's all about. It just really shows just how big reds country really is. If it wasn't for the fans we wouldn't be playing in front of nobody."
"It's like meeting the president of the Reds," said Johnathan Owens.
Owens was one of many to pack the Air Force Museum to see the Reds and mainly one man, Brandon Phillips.
The all-star snapped photos before the event, amazed by the turnout.
"It feels good, this is what it's all about. Giving back to fans and letting them get to know us as normal people," said Phillips.
Travis Smith of Springfield was a ball of nerves at the idea of meeting his hero.
"It's pretty cool. I've never met Brandon Phillips or any Reds player before so it's kind of exciting."
After a playoff run in 2012 Reds fans have come out in record numbers this weekend in cities all over Ohio, but nowhere near as many as the two thousand at the Air Force Museum.
"The crowds are always big, but the biggest difference is the level of enthusiasm for the people we crossed paths with over the four days when you have the kind of club this team has and the expectation everyone has as far as the season is concerned," said Brennaman
No player understands the importance of Reds support more then Brandon Phillips.
"Just giving back, that's what it's all about. It just really shows just how big reds country really is. If it wasn't for the fans we wouldn't be playing in front of nobody."