Dragons on TV Thursday and Friday
Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman and Dragons manager Todd Benzinger will serve as the guest commentator on Thursday's telecast. Dragons Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Tom Nichols will handle the play-by-play.
Benzinger was the Dragons manager for the 2009 and 2010 seasons and a key member of the Cincinnati Reds 1990 World Series champions. He spent nine years in the big leagues and holds the Reds single-season record for most games played a first base (158 in 1989). He has handled color commentator duties on several telecasts so far in 2011.
The Dragons are televising 25 games from Fifth Third Field this season, produced by the Dragons' in-house production crew. Sponsors include:
IUE-CWA
Mike-sell's Potato Chips
Cypress Pointe Health Campus
Drake Heating and Air
Community Blood Center
Bathroom Alternatives
Life Connection of Ohio
Dayton Power & Light
Greater Ohio Virtual School
Among others who have served as guest commentators in 2011 or are scheduled for appearances are:
Former Reds Assistant Director of Player Development Grant Griesser
WHIO TV-7 Sports Director Mike Hartsock
Former Reds outfielder Eddie Milner
Former Reds infielder Chris Sexton
Former Reds pitcher/former Dragons pitching coach Doug Bair
Reds Assistant Director of Media Relations Jamie Ramsey
Miami University head baseball coach Dan Simonds
NBA Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson, Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, former Reds great George Foster, current Reds players Drew Stubbs, Chris Heisey, and Logan Ondrusek, and several others appeared on the broadcast on July 23.
Dragons 2011 Television Broadcast Schedule (remaining games)
Thursday, August 4 - West Michigan Whitecaps
Friday, August 5 - West Michigan White Caps
Thursday, August 18 - Great Lakes Loons
Friday, August 19 - Great Lakes Loons