Reds fans just embarrassed Phil Castellini in a way ownership can’t ignore

On Wednesday evening, Cincinnati Reds president and CEO Phil Castellini attended a college basketball game between the Xavier Musketeers and Butler Bulldogs to help promote the team's newest partnership with the local university. Based on the reception he received, however, the Reds would've been better off sending someone who didn't represent Cincinnati's ownership group.

Earlier this week, Xavier and the Reds announced a 10-year partnership that allows students access exclusive internships and job-shadowing opportunities. According to Xavier's press release, the joint venture is designed to enhance academic opportunities for students and create new pathways for hands-on learning.

While this new partnership offers tremendous benefits for the Xavier student body, Castellini may not have been the best person to deliver to message to the thousands in attendance at the Cintas Center on Wednesday night. Cincinnati reporter Mike Petraglia was among those who attended the game, and video from the event revealed that Castellini was mercilessly boo'd by the fans in attendance.

Reds fans just embarrassed Phil Castellini during his speech at a Xavier basketball game

This isn't the first time that Castellini's received harsh treatment from the Cincinnati faithful. Obviously those same fans who cheer on the Xavier University basketball team are the same ones who root for their hometown Reds. Given the lack of spending this winter following a return to the MLB playoffs in 2025, it's understandable why fans are choosing to let ownership audibly hear their dissatisfaction with the team's inaction this offseason.

Castellini famously asked fans "Where ya going to go?" after the team's fire sale in 2022, and he's been a pariah in the city of Cincinnati ever since. The Castellini family's lack of investment in the team's roster has been a sore subject for Reds fans ever since they purchased the team 20 years ago. Since that time, the Reds have been to the playoffs five times, but have yet to win a postseason series.

The Reds could still surprise their fanbase and make a splash signing for old friend Eugenio Suárez. Even a trade for Philadelphia Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos or Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. would be somewhat exciting for the fanbase. But until Reds fans see that type of commitment from the front office and ownership, Castellini might be best served to operate in the shadows (or at least wear ear plugs).