In Nerone’s Notes this week, the Cincinnati Reds emerge from the all-star break. The latest inductees to the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor were revealed. Plus, FC Cincinnati concludes their homestand on a rough note.

Cincinnati Reds get back to business after all-star break

The Reds resume play this weekend in Washington D.C. With a three-game series against the Washington Nationals beginning Friday night. The Reds had three representatives in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game. Manager David Bell was an honorary National League manager. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz and pitcher Hunter Greene played in the game. Both were among the 30+ players that made their all-star game debuts. All-Star week itself highlighted a youth movement in Major League Baseball.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes was the National League’s starting pitcher. Marking the first time a pitcher started in the All-Star Game a year after being drafted. Meanwhile, the Reds made a record setting move following this week’s MLB Draft. By signing second overall pick Chase Burns to a record $9.25 million bonus. Surpassing last year’s record bonus for Paul Skenes. Burns is a pitcher and a Wake Forest alumnus, he also pitched at Tennessee.

As the Reds head deeper into the second half of the season. Next year’s Cincinnati Reds schedule was released earlier this week. The Reds will open the 2025 season at home against the San Francisco Giants. Reds Opening Day in 2025 will be on March 27th. Which will be the earliest opening day for the Reds in franchise history.

Dillon and Krumrie elected to Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor

Former Bengals players Corey Dillon and Tim Krumrie are the latest to join the franchise’s ring of honor. The team revealed Dillon and Krumrie’s selections on Thursday. Dillon and Krumrie were selected through a vote by season ticket members. The two will be inducted during the Bengals home game on September 23rd. When the Bengals face the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

Dillon is regarded one of the best running backs in Bengals history. Drafted by the Bengals in 1997, Dillon spent most of his career with Cincinnati. Scoring ten rushing touchdowns in 1997 and again in 2001. He had over 1,100 rushing yards each season from 1997-2002. Dillon was selected to four Pro Bowls, three of those appearances were with Cincinnati. After leaving Cincinnati, Dillon went on to play three seasons for the New England Patriots. Winning Super Bowl 39 with the Patriots in 2005.

Krumrie spent his entire playing career with the Bengals. He was drafted by the team in 1983 and retired after the 1994 season. The nose tackle was selected to the Pro Bowl in the 1987 and 1988 seasons. Krumrie was also named to the AP All-Pro team in both of those seasons. In the Bengals 1988-89 AFC Championship season, Krumrie had a career high 152 combined tackles.

FC Cincinnati goes into weekend shorthanded and struggling

FC Cincinnati’s concluded a three-game homestand with a whimper last Wednesday. Enduring a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. The match featured FC Cincinnati player Alvis Powell getting a red card. Meaning he will miss Saturday’s match at the New York Red Bulls. FC Cincinnati had to fare without star Luciano Acosta on Wednesday due to an injury. They might have to fare without him this Saturday too.

On top of that, Miles Robinson was unavailable due to a suspension. The result of a red card Robinson received in last Saturday’s 3-1 home loss to Charlotte FC. Robinson will also be unavailable for FCC until August; due to being on the U.S. Olympic team. FC Cincinnati also had to fare without head coach Pat Noonan late in Wednesday’s match. After he was ejected for arguing with an official in the game’s final minutes. Noonan will be suspended for Saturday’s match.

Wednesday’s loss cost FC Cincinnati it’s top spot in Major League Soccer’s Supporters Shield race. With Inter Miami now reclaiming the top spot. Less than two weeks after FC Cincinnati routed Miami to take the Supporters Shield lead. Through a 6-1 win that began FCC’s now concluded homestand. FC Cincinnati goes into this weekend, second in the supporters shield race. With 48 match points, compared to Inter Miami’s 50 points. Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 3-1 on Wednesday.

Yet, Inter Miami faces a dilemma heading into this weekend. Due to star player Lionel Messi’s ankle injury, which he suffered during last Sunday’s Copa America final. Messi missed Wednesday’s game and is expected to miss Inter Miami’s game this Saturday. Inter Miami plays the Chicago Fire this Saturday at 7:30 PM. FC Cincinnati’s game against the Red Bulls will start at that time too.