Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshals and Reds Players:
The below is a list of Grand Marshals for the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, which began in 1920. In 2009 current players of the Cincinnati Reds beganing riding in the parade, which are listed. We have also listed known retired players that have appeared in the parade. The first known MLB player to appear in the parade was Hall of Famer Pitcher & Reds announcer: Waite Hoyt. Most years since 1999 are linked to detailed pages including pictures for that year.
2024 - Co-Grand Marshal: Pokey Reese (Cincinnati Reds Infielder, 1997-2001; 2x Golden Glove: 1999 & 2000) - Co-Grand Marshal: Dmitri Young (Cincinnati Reds Outfielder, 1998–2001; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame) - Honorary Grand Marshal: Jim Scott (Cincinnati radio legend - 700 WLW) - Cincinnati Reds players: Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: George Foster
2023 - Co-Grand Marshal: Danny Graves (Cincinnati Reds Pitcher, 1997-2005; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame) - Co-Grand Marshal: Bronson Arroyo (Cincinnati Reds Pitcher, 2006–2013, 2017; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame) - Cincinnati Reds players: Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: George Foster, Doug Flynn, Ron Oester & Todd Benzinger
2022 - Grand Marshal: Barry Larkin - Hall of Fame Class of 2012, 12x National League All-Star & 1995 NL MVP. - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Todd Benzinger and Larry Luebbers
2021 - Grand Marshal: Lieutenant Ron Murphy - Representing First Responders
2020 - Grand Marshal: Neil Luken - Findlay Market Parade Chairman (1999 - Present)
2019 - Grand Marshal: Rob Manfred - Commissioner of Major League Baseball - Parade Ambassador: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove - Cincinnati Reds players: Anthony DeSclafani and Sonny Gray - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Ron Oester, Scott Williamson, Chris Welsh retired MLB baseball pitcher and current Fox Sports Net Ohio Announcer
2018 - Co-Grand Marshal: Danny Graves - 2 time All-Star (1999 & 2004) - Co-Grand Marshal: Sam LeCure - Cincinnati Reds players: Sal Romano and Cody Reed - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Tom Browning and Ron Oester
2017 - Grand Marshal: Sean "The Mayor" Casey - 3 time All-Star (1999, 2001 & 2004) - Cincinnati Reds players: Rookie Davis and Robert Stephenson - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Tom Browning and Ron Oester
2016 - Grand Marshal: Grand Marshal: Lou Piniella - 3x Mgr of the year - Cincinnati Reds players: Brandon Finnegan and Alfredo Simon - Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Ron Oester and Scott Williamson
2015 - Grand Marshal: The Nasty Boys: Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers - Cincinnati Reds players: Raisel Iglesias and Anthony DeSclafani - Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2014 - Grand Marshal: Dave Concepcion - 5x Gold Gloves winner (1974, 75, 76, 77 & 79), 2x Silver Slugger winner (1981 & 82), 9x All-Star, 1982 AS MVP - Cincinnati Reds players: Matt Latos and Aroldis Chapman - Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2013 - Grand Marshal: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP and Member of the Big Red Machine - Cincinnati Reds players: Matt Latos and Bronson Arroyo
2012 - Grand Marshal: Aaron Boone - 2003 Cincinnati Reds All-Star - Cincinnati Reds players: Mat Latos and Nick Masset - Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2011 - Grand Marshal: Joe Morgan - 1972 AS MVP, 1975 NL MVP, 1976 NL MVP and Hall of Fame Class of 1990 - Cincinnati Reds players: Mike Leake and Travis Wood - Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2010 - Grand Marshal: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove - Honorary Marshal - George Grande, Retired play-by-play voice of the Reds. - Cincinnati Reds players: Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo
2009 - Grand Marshal: Frank Robinson - Hall of Fame Class of 1982 - Cincinnati Reds players: Reds pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto
2008 - Grand Marshal: Cesar Geronimo - Big Red Machine Outfielder
2007 - Grand Marshal: Eric Davis - 2x All-Star (1987, 1989), 3x Gold Glove Award (1987–1989), 2x Silver Slugger Award (1987, 1989) and World Series champion (1990)
2006 - Grand Marshal: Mario Soto - 3x All-Star pitcher
2005 - Grand Marshal: Rudi Johnson - Bengals Running Back & 2004 Pro Bowler
2004 - Grand Marshal: Dave Parker - 1978 NL MVP & 7x All-Star
2003 - Grand Marshal: Tom Browning - Pitched Perfect Game 9/16/1988
2002 - Grand Marshal: Ken Griffey Sr. - 3x All-Star, 1980 AS MVP
2001 - Grand Marshal: Anthony Munoz - NFL HOF Class of 1998, 11x Pro Bowl, 9x All Pro
2000 - Grand Marshals: Whitney Ramos (age 6) and Robbie Schlensker (age 12) Chosen because of the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
1999 - Grand Marshal: Joe Nuxhall - Reds Pitcher & Broadcaster - Note: Neil Luken takes over as parade chairman
1998 - Grand Marshal: Linda Vester anchor for NBC News at Sunrise
1997 - Grand Marshal: Ohio Gov. George Voinovich
1996 - Grand Marshal: Sparky Anderson - Manager of Big Red Machine
1995 - Grand Marshal: Joe Bare - Past President of the Market Association
1994 - Grand Marshals: Jim Gibbs of Gibbs Cheese; Frank Catanzaro of Catanzaro Sons and Daughters Fruits and Vegetables; Ray Heist, of Heist Fish and Poultry; Wilson Spies, Spies Cheese; Al Silverglade, Silverglade and Sons; Eugene Wassler, Wassler Meats; Salvy Tedesco, whose family has run Tedesco Produce.
1993 - Grand Marshal: Jerry Springer - Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1992 - Grand Marshal: Chuck Harmon
1991 - Grand Marshal: Ohio Gov. George Voinovich - 2 Elephants from the Cincinnati Zoo, Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1990 - Grand Marshal: Marie Determan - attended 70 consecutive Opening Day Games - 4 Marching Bands (East Central Photo in Cincinnati Equirer Page A-10) & Oscar Meyer Weinermobile
1989 - Grand Marshal: Bruce Kozerski - Center for Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1995)
1988 - Grand Marshal: Bob Geiss - 40 year owner/operator of barber shop at 18. W. Elder St.
1987 - Grand Marshal: Mickey Mouse of Walt Disney
1986 - Grand Marshals: W.T. Warner family from Fairfield; Donna Barnett from Crawfordsville, Indiana; Bob Nokes family from Jeffersonville, Indiana; Mike Barnes from Alexandria, Kentucky – all chosen by random drawing.
1985 - Grand Marshals: Madrigal Fields, 15; Tammy Stegbaer, 10; Chris Eberhart, 14 after David Letterman had declined.
1984 - Grand Marshal: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove - Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1983 - Grand Marshal: Unknown, if anyone has information on this, please let us know.
1982 - Grand Marshal: Vendor "Peanut Jim" Shelton
1981 - Grand Marshal: Henry J Gerbus - Retiring Findlay Market Association President
1980 - Grand Marshal: Unknown
1979 - Grand Marshal: Art Radtke - founded Reds Hall of Fame - 40 Parade Units, including bands from Roger Bacon, Taft, Oak Hills, Lebanon and Lemon-Monroe high schools and Sarah Brady (Winner of Fan Appreciation Day).
1978 - Grand Marshal: Joe Nuxhall - Reds Pitcher & Broadcaster
1977 - Grand Marshal: Charles P. Taft II, Youngest child of President William Howard Taft
1976 - Grand Marshal: Lewis Crosley Jr., former Reds Executive
1975 - Grand Marshal: Waite Hoyt, Reds announcer and former Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher
1974 - Grand Marshal: Karolyn Rose (then-wife of Pete Rose)
1973 - No parade – Chester Lathrop presented flag to Bob Howsam
1972 - Grand Marshal: Unknown. Parade postponed due to strike.
1971 - Grand Marshal: Unknown - Miss Findlay Market Queen is UC Freshman: Linda Martin
1970 - the last year where Opening Day is held at Crosley Field. - Grand Marshal: Frank Yunger, owner of Yunger’s Cafe at 1807 Elm St. - Miss Findlay Market Queen is UC Freshman: Linda Martin - The march to Crosley was from the Market to Vine St. to 12th to Race to Findlay Street and then to the Ball Park.
1955 - Grand Marshal: Jean Cohen - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
1950 - Grand Marshal: William Gabriel - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
1949 - Grand Marshal: James Gibbs - Findlay Market merchant and owner of Gibb’s Cheese - Mayor Albert D. Cash and a Smittie's Band 30 piece band and several members of the US Army.
1943 - Grand Marshal: Karl Streicher - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association - Mayor James Stewart and a Smittie's Band 30 piece band, a tally-ho with "Miss Liberty" Mildred Streicher and several members of the US Army.
1942 - Grand Marshal: William H. Westendorf - General Chairman of the Findlay Market Association - Mayor James Stewart and a 30 piece band, a Boy Scout Troop and 200 members of the Findlay Market Association
1941 - Grand Marshal: Peter F. Duffy - President of the Findlay Market Association - Mayor James Stewart and a 40 piece band
1939 - Grand Marshal: Elmer Duerigen - President of the Findlay Market Association
1938 - Grand Marshal: Chester A. Lathrop - Findlay Market druggist - A 50 piece band will lead a procession with more than 800 baseball fans and a Boy Scout Troop.
1937 - Grand Marshal: Fred L. Emmert, Jr. - President of the Findlay Market Association - Smittie's Band will lead a procession with more than 1,000 baseball fans
1935 - Grand Marshal: Cliff G. Link - Retiring Findlay Market Association President & Findlay Market varity store owner
1932 - Grand Marshal: A. B. Caldwell - Findlay Market Vice President President - Vice Mayor John H. Druffel, a group of Boy Scouts carry a large flag and a 40 piece band
1930 - Grand Marshal: Edwin Welhe - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association - Mayor Wison, a group of six Boy Scouts carry a large flag and a 50 piece band
1924 - Grand Marshal: Martin Andreas - Ran The People's Packing House, a daily meat market and grocery @ 123-127 W. Elder
The above information was compiled by Jeffrey Gladish, Findlay Market Parade Committee Member from Findlay Market Parade Records, Jeff Suess, The Cincinnati Equirer and Cincinnati Public Library archives of The Cincinnati Equirer
Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshals and Reds Players:
The below is a list of Grand Marshals for the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, which began in 1920. In 2009 current players of the Cincinnati Reds beganing riding in the parade, which are listed. We have also listed known retired players that have appeared in the parade. The first known MLB player to appear in the parade was Hall of Famer Pitcher & Reds announcer: Waite Hoyt. Most years since 1999 are linked to detailed pages including pictures for that year.
2024
- Co-Grand Marshal: Pokey Reese (Cincinnati Reds Infielder, 1997-2001; 2x Golden Glove: 1999 & 2000)
- Co-Grand Marshal: Dmitri Young (Cincinnati Reds Outfielder, 1998–2001; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame)
- Honorary Grand Marshal: Jim Scott (Cincinnati radio legend - 700 WLW)
- Cincinnati Reds players: Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: George Foster
2023
- Co-Grand Marshal: Danny Graves (Cincinnati Reds Pitcher, 1997-2005; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame)
- Co-Grand Marshal: Bronson Arroyo (Cincinnati Reds Pitcher, 2006–2013, 2017; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame)
- Cincinnati Reds players: Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: George Foster, Doug Flynn, Ron Oester & Todd Benzinger
2022
- Grand Marshal: Barry Larkin - Hall of Fame Class of 2012, 12x National League All-Star & 1995 NL MVP.
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Todd Benzinger and Larry Luebbers
2021
- Grand Marshal: Lieutenant Ron Murphy - Representing First Responders
2020
- Grand Marshal: Neil Luken - Findlay Market Parade Chairman (1999 - Present)
2019
- Grand Marshal: Rob Manfred - Commissioner of Major League Baseball
- Parade Ambassador: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove
- Cincinnati Reds players: Anthony DeSclafani and Sonny Gray
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Ron Oester, Scott Williamson, Chris Welsh retired MLB baseball pitcher and current Fox Sports Net Ohio Announcer
2018
- Co-Grand Marshal: Danny Graves - 2 time All-Star (1999 & 2004)
- Co-Grand Marshal: Sam LeCure - Cincinnati Reds players: Sal Romano and Cody Reed
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Tom Browning and Ron Oester
2017
- Grand Marshal: Sean "The Mayor" Casey - 3 time All-Star (1999, 2001 & 2004)
- Cincinnati Reds players: Rookie Davis and Robert Stephenson
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Tom Browning and Ron Oester
2016
- Grand Marshal: Grand Marshal: Lou Piniella - 3x Mgr of the year
- Cincinnati Reds players: Brandon Finnegan and Alfredo Simon
- Retired Cincinnati Reds players: Ron Oester and Scott Williamson
2015
- Grand Marshal: The Nasty Boys: Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers
- Cincinnati Reds players: Raisel Iglesias and Anthony DeSclafani
- Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2014
- Grand Marshal: Dave Concepcion - 5x Gold Gloves winner (1974, 75, 76, 77 & 79), 2x Silver Slugger winner (1981 & 82), 9x All-Star, 1982 AS MVP
- Cincinnati Reds players: Matt Latos and Aroldis Chapman
- Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2013
- Grand Marshal: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP and Member of the Big Red Machine
- Cincinnati Reds players: Matt Latos and Bronson Arroyo
2012
- Grand Marshal: Aaron Boone - 2003 Cincinnati Reds All-Star
- Cincinnati Reds players: Mat Latos and Nick Masset
- Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2011
- Grand Marshal: Joe Morgan - 1972 AS MVP, 1975 NL MVP, 1976 NL MVP and Hall of Fame Class of 1990
- Cincinnati Reds players: Mike Leake and Travis Wood
- Retired Cincinnati Reds player: George Foster - 5x All-Star, 1976 AS MVP, 1977 NL MVP
2010
- Grand Marshal: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove
- Honorary Marshal - George Grande, Retired play-by-play voice of the Reds.
- Cincinnati Reds players: Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo
2009
- Grand Marshal: Frank Robinson - Hall of Fame Class of 1982
- Cincinnati Reds players: Reds pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto
2008
- Grand Marshal: Cesar Geronimo - Big Red Machine Outfielder
2007
- Grand Marshal: Eric Davis - 2x All-Star (1987, 1989), 3x Gold Glove Award (1987–1989), 2x Silver Slugger Award (1987, 1989) and World Series champion (1990)
2006
- Grand Marshal: Mario Soto - 3x All-Star pitcher
2005
- Grand Marshal: Rudi Johnson - Bengals Running Back & 2004 Pro Bowler
2004
- Grand Marshal: Dave Parker - 1978 NL MVP & 7x All-Star
2003
- Grand Marshal: Tom Browning - Pitched Perfect Game 9/16/1988
2002
- Grand Marshal: Ken Griffey Sr. - 3x All-Star, 1980 AS MVP
2001
- Grand Marshal: Anthony Munoz - NFL HOF Class of 1998, 11x Pro Bowl, 9x All Pro
2000
- Grand Marshals: Whitney Ramos (age 6) and Robbie Schlensker (age 12) Chosen because of the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
1999
- Grand Marshal: Joe Nuxhall - Reds Pitcher & Broadcaster
- Note: Neil Luken takes over as parade chairman
1998
- Grand Marshal: Linda Vester anchor for NBC News at Sunrise
1997
- Grand Marshal: Ohio Gov. George Voinovich
1996
- Grand Marshal: Sparky Anderson - Manager of Big Red Machine
1995
- Grand Marshal: Joe Bare - Past President of the Market Association
1994
- Grand Marshals: Jim Gibbs of Gibbs Cheese; Frank Catanzaro of Catanzaro Sons and Daughters Fruits and Vegetables; Ray Heist, of Heist Fish and Poultry; Wilson Spies, Spies Cheese; Al Silverglade, Silverglade and Sons; Eugene Wassler, Wassler Meats; Salvy Tedesco, whose family has run Tedesco Produce.
1993
- Grand Marshal: Jerry Springer
- Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1992
- Grand Marshal: Chuck Harmon
1991
- Grand Marshal: Ohio Gov. George Voinovich
- 2 Elephants from the Cincinnati Zoo, Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1990
- Grand Marshal: Marie Determan - attended 70 consecutive Opening Day Games
- 4 Marching Bands (East Central Photo in Cincinnati Equirer Page A-10) & Oscar Meyer Weinermobile
1989
- Grand Marshal: Bruce Kozerski - Center for Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1995)
1988
- Grand Marshal: Bob Geiss - 40 year owner/operator of barber shop at 18. W. Elder St.
1987
- Grand Marshal: Mickey Mouse of Walt Disney
1986
- Grand Marshals: W.T. Warner family from Fairfield; Donna Barnett from Crawfordsville, Indiana; Bob Nokes family from Jeffersonville, Indiana; Mike Barnes from Alexandria, Kentucky – all chosen by random drawing.
1985
- Grand Marshals: Madrigal Fields, 15; Tammy Stegbaer, 10; Chris Eberhart, 14 after David Letterman had declined.
1984
- Grand Marshal: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove - Budweiser Clydesdale horses
1983
- Grand Marshal: Unknown, if anyone has information on this, please let us know.
1982
- Grand Marshal: Vendor "Peanut Jim" Shelton
1981
- Grand Marshal: Henry J Gerbus - Retiring Findlay Market Association President
1980
- Grand Marshal: Unknown
1979
- Grand Marshal: Art Radtke - founded Reds Hall of Fame
- 40 Parade Units, including bands from Roger Bacon, Taft, Oak Hills, Lebanon and Lemon-Monroe high schools and Sarah Brady (Winner of Fan Appreciation Day).
1978
- Grand Marshal: Joe Nuxhall - Reds Pitcher & Broadcaster
1977
- Grand Marshal: Charles P. Taft II, Youngest child of President William Howard Taft
1976
- Grand Marshal: Lewis Crosley Jr., former Reds Executive
1975
- Grand Marshal: Waite Hoyt, Reds announcer and former Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher
1974
- Grand Marshal: Karolyn Rose (then-wife of Pete Rose)
1973
- No parade – Chester Lathrop presented flag to Bob Howsam
1972
- Grand Marshal: Unknown. Parade postponed due to strike.
1971
- Grand Marshal: Unknown
- Miss Findlay Market Queen is UC Freshman: Linda Martin
1970 - the last year where Opening Day is held at Crosley Field.
- Grand Marshal: Frank Yunger, owner of Yunger’s Cafe at 1807 Elm St.
- Miss Findlay Market Queen is UC Freshman: Linda Martin
- The march to Crosley was from the Market to Vine St. to 12th to Race to Findlay Street and then to the Ball Park.
1955
- Grand Marshal: Jean Cohen - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
1950
- Grand Marshal: William Gabriel - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
1949
- Grand Marshal: James Gibbs - Findlay Market merchant and owner of Gibb’s Cheese
- Mayor Albert D. Cash and a Smittie's Band 30 piece band and several members of the US Army.
1943
- Grand Marshal: Karl Streicher - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
- Mayor James Stewart and a Smittie's Band 30 piece band, a tally-ho with "Miss Liberty" Mildred Streicher and several members of the US Army.
1942
- Grand Marshal: William H. Westendorf - General Chairman of the Findlay Market Association
- Mayor James Stewart and a 30 piece band, a Boy Scout Troop and 200 members of the Findlay Market Association
1941
- Grand Marshal: Peter F. Duffy - President of the Findlay Market Association
- Mayor James Stewart and a 40 piece band
1939
- Grand Marshal: Elmer Duerigen - President of the Findlay Market Association
1938
- Grand Marshal: Chester A. Lathrop - Findlay Market druggist
- A 50 piece band will lead a procession with more than 800 baseball fans and a Boy Scout Troop.
1937
- Grand Marshal: Fred L. Emmert, Jr. - President of the Findlay Market Association
- Smittie's Band will lead a procession with more than 1,000 baseball fans
1935
- Grand Marshal: Cliff G. Link - Retiring Findlay Market Association President & Findlay Market varity store owner
1932
- Grand Marshal: A. B. Caldwell - Findlay Market Vice President President
- Vice Mayor John H. Druffel, a group of Boy Scouts carry a large flag and a 40 piece band
1930
- Grand Marshal: Edwin Welhe - Vice President of the Findlay Market Association
- Mayor Wison, a group of six Boy Scouts carry a large flag and a 50 piece band
1924
- Grand Marshal: Martin Andreas - Ran The People's Packing House, a daily meat market and grocery @ 123-127 W. Elder
The above information was compiled by Jeffrey Gladish, Findlay Market Parade Committee Member from Findlay Market Parade Records, Jeff Suess, The Cincinnati Equirer and Cincinnati Public Library archives of The Cincinnati Equirer