Special July 4 Reds Telecast

In honor of the 234th celebration of United States Independence, the Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs game on Sunday, July 4th featured a special FOX Sports Ohio telecast, presented by Marathon. Through a live feed from Iraq, FOX Sports Ohio’s Reds broadcasters conducted an interview with Cincinnati-native Sergeant First Class William S. Smith, currently serving in Baghdad.

Currently in his third overseas tour and second combat tour in Irag, Smith has been serving in the military either in the National Guard or on Active Duty for over 16 years. He was born in Cincinnati and raised on a farm in Felicity in Eastern Clermont County. He graduated from Felicity Franklin High School and The University of Cincinnati.

A Cincinnati Reds fan his entire life, Smith idolizes the Big Red Machine and players of the 1990 World Championship team, especially Eric Davis. The network was thrilled to surprise him with a special guest, Eric Davis, on the line.

Viewers also had the opportunity to send special messages to our troops during the telecast. The game was on American Forces Network which is broadcast overseas to troops stationed abroad. Fans texted messages to the troops, and they were displayed throughout the game. Soldiers overseas were also be able to text messages back.

The network additionally featured various Reds players and their personal connection to the July 4th holiday. Specifically, Reds pitcher and singer/guitar player, Bronson Arroyo, performed patriotic songs.