Best Cincinnati Reds Ever: Sean Casey v. Rob Dibble

Second Round Matchup | No. 4 Sean Casey v. No. 5 Rob Dibble

The next second round matchup in our “Best Red Ever” tournament features maybe the most likable player in Cincinnati Reds history and maybe the most famous of the 1990 Nasty Boys.

Casey:

Sean Casey’s first round win (81 percent) over Scott Rolen in our Best Cincinnati Reds Ever tournament — along with a detailed write-up — can be found here.

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"…As valuable as Sean Casey was on the field — despite his joke-inducing speed or lack thereof — Casey had just as much value as a teammate and off the field. In 1999 Casey won the Hutch Award which is awarded to the player who “best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire,” of former MLB player and manager Fred Hutchinson. In 2007 he was voted — in a poll via Sports Illustrated — by his peers as the friendliest player in baseball.Casey has worked with Big Brothers of America, a youth mentoring program, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as starting his own Casey’s Crew initiative that helped give tickets to underprivileged children."

Highlights

— ranks 12th in career batting average (.305) with the Reds

— ranks 13th in career doubles (256) with the Reds

— Reds Hall of Fame inductee

— voted as the friendliest player in baseball in 2007

Dibble:

Rob Dibble’s win in the first round (64 percent) over Danny Graves — along with a detailed write-up — can be found here.

"Rob Dibble spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and dominated in five of them — including his rookie season in 1988. As a member of the Nasty Boys in 1990, Dibble was an All-Star, saved 11 games, struck out 136 batters and allowed just 62 hits in 98 innings. Oh and he had a team-best 1.74 ERA. One could make the case he was the most dominating pitcher on the 1990 World Series winning roster.But he followed this up in 1991 with another commanding season. His ERA jumped to 3.17 but saved a career-best 31 games, struck out 124 batters in 82 1/3 innings and was named to his second of two career All-Star teams."

Highlights

— ranks sixth in career saves (88) for the Reds

— one of three Reds relievers with 20 saves to have a career batting average against below .200 (.198)

— 619 strikeouts in just 450 2/3 innings pitched

— World Series winner

Next: Find the tournament breakdown here!

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