In a scene straight out of a baseball comedy, chaos erupted at Great American Ball Park after a Cincinnati Reds fan climbed out of Section 123 and declared himself the team’s new player-manager, following the Reds’ fifth defensive error in a single inning.According to witnesses, Kevin “K-Man” Halbridge, a lifelong Reds fan and self-proclaimed fantasy league champion, leapt the rail in the bottom of the sixth inning and marched to the mound with a glove in one hand and a laminated lineup card in the other.
🎤 “Someone Has to Take Control”
“Enough is enough!” Halbridge yelled as he approached the infield. “Five errors? FIVE? I’ve seen better coordination at my nephew’s tee-ball practice!”
Stunned players paused, unsure whether to tackle him or let him take over. Security hesitated as well—possibly because Halbridge was wearing an authentic Reds jersey, managerial windbreaker, and even a headset (connected to nothing).
“I’ve got signs, strategies, and a working knowledge of MLB 2K23,” Halbridge reportedly told shortstop Elly De La Cruz. “You cover third. We’re done with shifting. And someone remind our outfield that the ball is round and important.”
🧢 Lineup Card Chaos
Before being escorted off the field, Halbridge managed to hand his “revised” lineup to the real Reds manager, John Schneider, which included:
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Himself at first base (“I played slow-pitch in ’09”)
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Joey Votto “if he’s still in the building”
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His cousin Ronnie as bullpen catcher (“He’s got mitts and a driver’s license”)
When asked later by reporters, Schneider chuckled:
“Honestly? Some of his ideas weren’t terrible.”
🚨 Stadium Reaction
The crowd, initially confused, erupted into raucous applause, with fans chanting “Let him coach!” and waving peanuts like victory flags. One beer vendor reportedly tossed Halbridge a cold one “for bravery.”
Stadium security eventually led the would-be savior away peacefully, though they allowed him to take one ceremonial jog around the bases as fans stood and cheered.
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