MiddletownJournal.com

CINCINNATI — Bob Castellini gets emotional when talking about the Reds, a franchise he bought last winter.

As he listened at a news conference Wednesday afternoon at Great American Ball Park, it appeared as if he were ready to cry tears of joy.

"This is such a great day for the Reds," said Castellini, who convinced the Diamondbacks to release Thom Brennaman from the remaining three years on his contract.

He then deferred to longtime Reds radio broadcaster and Hall of Famer Marty Brennaman to introduce his son, Thom, who not only will work some radio broadcasts for the Reds, but television as well.

While the elder Brennaman did the honors — and appeared ready to cry himself — Castellini sat quietly on the other side of the podium, his eyes glistening.

Later, there was even a small wet spot on his Reds tie, where apparently a tear or two fell.

"It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to get him (Thom Brennaman) away from Arizona," Castellini said. "All our talks were amicable, but they (the Diamondbacks) didn't want to lose him."

Castellini wanted him more, but would not say what it cost him to obtain Thom. Marty Brennaman said the move wouldn't have happened under previous Reds ownerships.

"It's every father's dream (to work with a son)," Castellini said. "We also wanted the best broadcasting team in baseball. I think we have it. I feel like we've achieved a great success here. We all did it for the Cincinnati Reds."

Thom Brennaman grew up in Cincinnati, went to Ohio University and began his broadcasting career as a weekend sports anchor at WLWT-TV 5 and on WLW Radio.

Thom also broadcast Reds games on television with Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.

"I know people were turning off me and Bench and turning on my dad and Joe Nuxhall," Thom said.

There will be some choices this time, too. Thom's wife, Polly — a Phoenix native — had to approve of the move. She did. The Brennamans have two young children, Ella Mae and Luke.

Asked about the cold Cincinnati winters, Brennaman pointed out the scorching Phoenix summers. Staying inside because it's too hot isn't much different from staying inside because it's too cold, he said.

Thom will take the place of Steve Stewart, whose contract was not renewed after three years on radio. Still, the Reds will need another broadcaster to work approximately 120 games on radio and 15-20 on television. Reds chief operating officer John Allen said a former player is preferable, especially one with Reds ties. Popular names apparently under consideration are pitchers Jeff Brantley — who is leaving ESPN — and Tom Browning — who worked some Dayton Dragons games with Mike Vanderwood this summer.

Allen said Joe Nuxhall, while retired, will probably work a handful of games, as well.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@daytondailynews.com.