TicketsThe stars are out in Texas.
Cincinnati alums Jim Herman, Jordan Thompson, Ian Happ, and Kevin Youkilis will headline Friday morning's Huddle Up Fan Fest, but at Thursday's practice it was Reds legend Johnny Bench who was on hand to cheer on the Bearcats as they made their final preparations for the Cotton Bowl.
In a way, Bench is a lot like this UC team. He was skilled defensively—winning a Gold Glove for ten consecutive seasons through the '60s and '70s—but was also a talented offensive player, racking up more than 2,000 career hits and still standing as the only catcher in MLB history to lead the league in home runs for a season. Elite defense, but don't overlook the offense. Sound familiar?
Looks like @JohnnyBench_5 has the magic touch. 😂#Bearcats | @MyjaiSanders pic.twitter.com/TqPVt7IIMe
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) December 30, 2021
Bench entertained the players during a quick game of whiffle ball, one last chance to cut loose before a 24-hour lockdown to focus on the task at hand. If Myjai Sanders is any indication, Bench would've made for a good hitting coach.
The afternoon featured the Cotton Bowl's Battle of the Bands in the shadow of AT&T Stadium. With many fans beginning to arrive in Dallas, the event provided the first chance for them to come out in force. If you've followed this season, you already know they did.
Blanketing the plaza and outnumbering Crimson Tide fans, they even led an encore rendition of Down The Drive.
Cincinnati's fired-up fan base has made its presence felt in Texas for the first time. It won't be the last. See you all at AT&T Stadium.
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