Bengals QB Joe Burrow will throw out the first pitch for Reds 2022 home opener

As The Simpson's Patty and Selma once said, "The easiest way to be popular is to leach off the popularity of others." It appears the Cincinnati Reds are taking a page from the Bouvier sisters' playbook and are inviting some pretty big names to join the team for the home opener next week.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, quarterback Joe Burrow, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will be on the field for the Reds' home opener against the Cleveland Guardians next Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. For the first time since 1990, the Reds will begin the season on the road.

The trio of Bengals will head onto the field prior to the start of the Ohio Cup. Burrow will throw out the first pitch with Taylor setting up behind the plate. Chase will present the NL Rookie of the Year Award to last year's winner Jonathan India.

Joe Burrow will throw out the 1st pitch at the Reds home opener.

I'm sure the Cincinnati Reds are hoping that the good fortune that led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl in February will rub off on them as they pursue their first World Series Championship since 1990.

Given the way the roster is constructed, it's not going to be an easy task. The Reds traded Tucker Barnhart, Amir Garrett, Eugenio Suárez, Jesse Winker, and Sonny Gray. Nick Castellanos, Michael Lorenzen, Wade Miley, and Mychal Givens are no longer with the club either.

But with every new season comes optimism. Joey Votto returns to Cincinnati fresh off a terrific 2021 campaign that saw him lead the team in home runs. A pair of exciting second-year players in Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson will look to build on their success from their rookie seasons. And the dynamic duo of Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo will make their MLB debuts this season.

While you have to squint pretty hard to see the Cincinnati Reds emerging from the National League Central as division champs, I don't think many people gave the Cincinnati Bengals a chance to be in the Super Bowl. Maybe, just maybe, the city of Cincinnati can go on another magic ride.