In this post-Mother’s Day review, Wade Miley’s first career no-hitter. While fellow Cincinnati Reds pitcher Amir Garrett faces a suspension. Plus, the Cincinnati Bengals revealed their inaugural Ring of Honor ballot.

A mixed bag for the Cincinnati Reds

Last week was a mixed bag in several ways for the Cincinnati Reds. Last Friday, Wade Miley delivered the Reds their 17^th no-hitter in team history. The first since Homer Bailey pitched a no-no in the summer of 2013. Friday’s 3-0 Reds victory marked the start of their weekend road series against the Cleveland Indians. In the second leg of this year’s Ohio Cup.

The Reds scored all three of their runs in the ninth inning. Part of a relatively sluggish week offensively for Cincinnati. Scoring six runs in four games, while their opponents scored 18 combined. Five of Cincinnati’s six runs last week came during or after the ninth inning. Ultimately splitting their four games last week.

Along with the win last Friday, the Reds lost 9-2 to Cleveland on Saturday. Then their series finale in Cleveland, originally scheduled for Sunday was rained out. Sunday’s game will be made up on August 9^th. The Reds began their week getting shutout 9-0 by the Chicago White Sox. In the start of a two-game series last Tuesday in Cincinnati.

The next day, Jesse Winker continued a hot start to the season batting-wise. Through a game-winning base hit in extra innings. As the Reds won their series and home-stand finale against the White Sox 1-0. Just as the series against the White Sox began; Major League Baseball announced Amir Garrett was going to face a seven-game suspension. For his role in a benches clearing scuffle with the Chicago Cubs on May 1^st.

While Garrett faces a suspension and a fine for an undisclosed amount. Cubs player Javier Baez, who charged out of the dugout to face Garrett only received a fine. Garrett is appealing the suspension and can still appear in games during that appeal. Meanwhile, last week was a mixed bag for the Reds injury-wise too. First baseman Joey Votto was placed on the injured list last week. With a broken left thumb suffered through getting hit by a pitch.

Votto’s injury happened less than a week after hitting his 300^th career home run. The Reds expect Votto to be out for at least three weeks. Despite losing Votto, outfielder Shogo Akiyama is back in the lineup. After recuperating from a spring training hamstring injury. Akiyama made his season debut last Friday in Cleveland.

This week, the Reds will continue and conclude their ongoing road trip. Facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series starting tonight. Monday and Tuesday’s games start at 6:35 PM and Wednesday’s begins at 12:35 PM Eastern. The Reds will wrap up this week in Denver. Taking on the Colorado Rockies in a four-game series Thursday-Sunday. Thursday and Friday’s games start at 8:40 PM Eastern. Saturday’s game starts at 8:10 PM and Sunday’s is set to start at 3:10 PM Eastern.

A major week for Minor League Baseball

For those looking for sports-related signs of improvements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps the best sign of improvement is last week’s return of Minor League Baseball. The pandemic prompted a roller-coaster ride of developments for the minor leagues. There was no minor league season last year due to the pandemic. The start of this year’s Triple-A season was also delayed by a month. Throwing off the major league preparations for prospects. Including highly anticipated Cincinnati Reds prospect Hunter Greene.

Last year’s cancelled season also disrupted the livelihoods of numerous people connected to minor league teams. While major league sports were able to survive by broadcasting games in mostly empty stadiums. Minor League Baseball and minor league sports in general don’t have that luxury. Many teams rely heavily on gate revenue and depending on the team rarely play on TV. For many of the cities that minor league teams call home; their teams are among the most high profile local professional teams. In many places, local college teams dominate the sports headlines. Louisville, Chattanooga and Dayton, respectively home to the Reds triple, double and Single-A affiliates are such places.

Along with the scrapped 2020 season; Minor League Baseball went through an off-season restructuring. 40 teams effectively lost their major league affiliate status. While 120 are playing in regionally aligned leagues. After being run separately from Major League Baseball since 1901. MLB is running the minor leagues instead of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor ballot revealed

Beyond baseball, the Cincinnati Bengals revealed the 17 candidates for the first Ring of Honor ballot. Of the 17 candidates, two will be inducted into the Bengals’ inaugural class. Joining team founder Paul Brown and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Anthony Munoz. Both inducted when the Ring of Honor was established earlier this year. Voting for the top two will commence later this month. Bengals season ticket members and suite owners are eligible to vote. The Cincinnati Bengals website has more information on the voting process.

The nominees are…

Super Bowl quarterbacks Ken Anderson and Boomer Esasison

Late 1990’s and 2000’s stars Willie Anderson and Corey Dillon

Franchise-record scoring kicker Jim Breech

Super Bowl XXIII running back James Brooks and nose tackle Tim Krumrie

Veteran players and broadcasters Cris Collinsworth, Dave Lapham and Bob Trumpy

Star wide receivers Chad Johnson and Isaac Curtis

Three-time Pro Bowl safety David Fulcher

Member of both the Super Bowl XVI and XXIII teams Max Montoya

Star corner backs Lemar Parrish and the late Ken Riley

Former player and former Cincinnati City Councilor Reggie Williams