So you can imagine how this beloved former second baseman -- the guy who played hard-nosed all the time and never wore batting gloves for 13 seasons with Cincy -- reacted when just about everyone seemed to come out to talk to him on Friday. Major League Baseball and the Reds unveiled upgrades to the Withrow All-Star Complex, home to Oester's alma mater, Withrow High School, its baseball and softball teams, and Cincinnati knothole youth baseball teams.
Mayor John Cranley read a proclamation designating this Ron Oester Day in Cincinnati, while the words "Ron Oester Field" adorned a beautiful field behind them.