SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2001 – GODDARD STATE PARK
The RI Reds Heritage Society’s first annual reunion was referred to as a “Smash Hit”. With “Roll Out the Barrell” the most popular song of the afternoon, 230 attendees were treated to a great BBQ, a popular raffle, and much exaggerated story telling. It all took place at the scenic Goddard Park Carousel on Greenwich Bay under perfect skies.
Everyone was excited! Autographs were sought and fans and players mingled all afternoon. At this point there were already 285 members in the Society. Amazing, as the Reds hadn’t played in 24 years! There were over 25 Reds players and employees in attendance: Lou Pieri, Jr., Bob Robertson, Buzz Deschamps, Al Bentley, Ross Brooks, Stan Baluik, Serge Boudreault, Gil Mayer, Wayne Muloin, George Sage, George Patrick Duffy, Harvey Bennett, Don McKenney, Jack McGeough, Pete Demers, Chuck Scherza, Buster Clegg, Ray Clearwater, Fernie Flaman, Bo Elik, Bob Leduc, Dan Poliziani, Ray Ross, Jack Butterfield, Gordie Anziano, Ed Ellsworth.
This year’s Tops Award winners were Chuck Scherza and George Patrick Duffy.
A highlight of the afternoon was George Patrick Duffy, the Voice of the Reds, doing a 3-minute play-by- play re-creation from the 20-foot balcony serving as the press box. “Toppazzini Scooorrrsss!” was the climax. It was followed by a standing ovation from the audience.
What a great day. The first reunion of twenty.
Gallery
2001-Reds-lineup
Reds legends line up for the Society's first reunion
2001-Keats,-Buster,-Bierne-Bill,-Jim,-Tom
Reunion Committee-Les, Buster, Larry, Bill, Jim & Tom
2001-Gil-Marielle-Mayer
Gil and Marielle Mayer
2001-FL-Pieri,-Lou-Jr,-wife
Lou Pieri, Jr and wife, Maureen, flank son Lou Pieri III
2001-D-Poliziani,-L-Pieri,-G-Sage
Danny Poliziani gets acquainted with Lou & George