The Marty B most unselfish player of the game award

[Chip R]

I'm starting an award that will go to the Reds player who exhibited true unselfishness in a game as Marty would see it. Hit into a double play instead of striking out? You may be a winner. Chase a 3-2 pitch a foot off the plate? Congratulations!

The inaugural winner of this prestigious award is Marlon Byrd for striking out on ball 4 on a pitch out of the strike zone. Runners up were Hamilton, Leake, Frazier and Barnhart for hitting rally killers tonight. Congratulations, Marlon!

[camisadelgolf]

Marlon Byrd is on pace to be 1 of 2 Reds position players in the past 100 years with an OBP under .200 (minimum 75+ plate apperances). The other was Rollie Hemsley in 1942.

[camisadelgolf]

Joey Votto has as many walks as Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Marlon Byrd, Billy Hamilton, and Devin Mesoraco combined.

Tucker Barnhart was the first and second bench player to hit a home run for the Reds this season.

[camisadelgolf]

Excluding pitchers, Lee Gamble has the Reds single-season record for most plate appearances without a walk with 77. Marlon Byrd got a walk in his 78th plate appearance.

[Old school 1983]

I know Marty isn't liked around here, but isn't this a bit ridiculous?

[KronoRed]

This sounds just like a Marty award.

[Hypnotoad]

I know Marty isn't liked around here, but isn't this a bit ridiculous?

This place *is* ridiculous.

[jimbo]

I know Marty isn't liked around here, but isn't this a bit ridiculous?

The Marty mocking is out of control.

[LoganBuck]

Marty brings it on himself.

When Joey Votto was cold over the weekend, you could almost feel the self righteousness in his voice.

[Nasty_Boy]

I think the Marty mocking is just the right amount. Like all members of this board, we share a common bond that is our love of the Reds and baseball in general. I've grown so tired of Marty and Thom's act that I choose the opposing broadcast or watch without sound when possible. I got in the car last night after coaching a Little League game just in time to hear the Braves intentional walk Bruce and bring Byrd to the plate. Marty's diatribe after the Byrd strikeout had me reaching for the dial as quick as possible. I understand Byrd has struggled... I understand the offense has struggled at times... I understand the strikeout was a big spot in the game... I do not understand why an announcer would need to make a strikeout an indictment on the culture of the ball club when runners are in scoring position. I get aggravated too, but listening to Marty gripe reminds me of sitting at a bar where the loud "drunk know-it-all" has to sensationalize everything and show everyone just how smart he is. When in reality, he looks like an @$$ and everyone around just wishes he'd shut up and leave.

[TRF]

Thom confuses me. IMO he actually gets it a lot more than he wants to let on. I've heard him on multiple occasions mention a pitcher not having control and bemoaning The BP (yes, I am now calling Phillips "The BP") swinging at the first pitch. I've heard him actually kind of struggle to toe the "Marty Line". Welsh makes him a lot more palatable. (Welsh doesn't get enough credit, IMO)

That and "Whoa Doctor" has to stop. That just is not a thing.

[Tom Servo]

The inaugural winner of this prestigious award is Marlon Byrd for striking out on ball 4 on a pitch out of the strike zone.

Expanding the strike zone, a Marty favorite.

[Tony Cloninger]

This place *is* ridiculous.

Welcome to Nietzsche Zone! We all want the same thing, the Reds to will themselves to power.

[westofyou]

The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

I'll ask those who believe that the Brennamen's get too much crap one question.

Do you ever listen to other teams announcers?

Ever?

Because it's a lot different out there from my summation, a lot different.

[smixsell]

I think the Marty mocking is just the right amount. Like all members of this board, we share a common bond that is our love of the Reds and baseball in general. I've grown so tired of Marty and Thom's act that I choose the opposing broadcast or watch without sound when possible. I got in the car last night after coaching a Little League game just in time to hear the Braves intentional walk Bruce and bring Byrd to the plate. Marty's diatribe after the Byrd strikeout had me reaching for the dial as quick as possible. I understand Byrd has struggled... I understand the offense has struggled at times... I understand the strikeout was a big spot in the game... I do not understand why an announcer would need to make a strikeout an indictment on the culture of the ball club when runners are in scoring position. I get aggravated too, but listening to Marty gripe reminds me of sitting at a bar where the loud "drunk know-it-all" has to sensationalize everything and show everyone just how smart he is. When in reality, he looks like an @$$ and everyone around just wishes he'd shut up and leave.

I thought my wife and I were the only ones.

Great analogy.