Eric, I'm not surprised. I grew up (mostly) in Cincinnati and it seemed that everyone you talked to back in the day who had contact with Sparky had positive things to say about him. He was really a beloved figure in town and was the kind of guy who would take the time to talk to you and sign autographs and just in general treat you with the same respect that you usually had for him.
(This is in contrast to some other Reds "stars" of those great teams who were bragging blowhards (Rose), or wouldn't take the time for autographs and treated kids and autograph seekers with disrespect (Bench).)
I was very sad for many of us when he left the Reds, but most of my friends and I rooted for him and were glad when he was such a success with the Tigers.
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