By Spencer Schultz and David Waterman
During their first 10-game home stand of the 2017 season, the Cincinnati Reds held their first high school media day on Apr. 20.
Reds High School Media Day is focused on introducing high school journalists to the behind-the-scenes role of the media within Major League Baseball.
Seniors Spencer Schultz and David Waterman attended the media day alongside English teacher Angie Noble that included attending batting practice, an interview with Vice President of Media Relations Rob Butcher, a tour of the press box, and free tickets to the game directly after the event.
After batting practice ended early due to rain, Schultz, Noble, and Waterman sat down with Butcher to learn more about Reds media and journalism itself.
“Social media is a great communication tool, but it can also be a bad thing. I’m with the team every day despite a few exceptions and sometimes our players post things to the public that they shouldn’t. They could be fined by us or Major League Baseball for those posts,” Butcher said.
While being a part of the Reds for 21 years, Butcher expressed his thoughts on moving from Riverfront Stadium to Great American Ballpark in 2003.
“I don’t think anyone was happier to see that ballpark go. Functionally, Great American may be the best stadium in baseball,” he said.
Noble, Schultz, and Waterman attended the complementary game after the event that the Reds lost 2-1 in 11 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the loss, Waterman still enjoyed his once in a lifetime experience.
“To see my future career in action was really inspiring and helped define more fully what I want to do,” Waterman said.
The McNicholas Milestone 