Here’s are 5 facts about Dayton’s beloved team, which plays its first home game of the season against the South Bend Cubs on Sunday, April 12.
Home of the Dayton Dragons: The Class-A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds plays its home games at Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, which opened on April 27, 2000.
Getting visual: "In 2003, we installed 240 feet of LED, which was a marketing and entertainment breakthrough that has now been copied by many other sports properties," executive vice president Eric Deutsch said. "Our new 13HD video board is five times larger than our previous board. It's a great addition to the stadium and another example that we will not stand pat. We will always look to improve and reinvest in Fifth Third Field and in our region."
Name game: Before moving to Dayton, the franchise was based in Rockford, Ill., where it was known as the Reds (1999), the Cubbies (1995-98), the Royals (1993-94) and the Expos (1988-92).
The big leagues: To date, 69 former Dragons have gone to the Major Leagues, including current Reds Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Zack Cozart and Billy Hamilton. Votto, who played with the Dragons in 2003 and 2004, also did injury rehab stints in Dayton in 2009 and 2012. "Fifth Third Field in Dayton, Ohio is one of the most special places for baseball in all the minor leagues and maybe even all of professional baseball," Votto has said. "I enjoyed it here back in 2009. I come back here today, and I've received nothing but support and appreciation. Dayton has a fantastic fan base."
Hot ticket: The 1,051 games leading into the new Dragons season have sold out, which is the longest streak in professional sports history. Season tickets are gone but limited single game tickets are available.
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