Last night Sean Casey returned "home." Casey hadn't been back to Cincinnati for a game since 2006. It was that year that he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed pitcher, Dave Williams. The energy down at the Great American Ballpark when Casey came up to bat was simply awesome.

As his name was announced over the P.A. system, the majority of Reds fans stood and cheered for the player everyone refers to as "The Mayor." The applause went on for a few minutes and amped up even more so when as Casey stepped into the box, he took a step back and acknowledged the crowd by tipping his batting helmet to them/us. Reds catcher David Ross even helped things out by buying Casey a little time by stepping forward and "cleaning off the plate."

It was a nice homecoming for Casey who is considered as one of the most loved Reds players in history. He may have never had the numbers that the typical first baseman is expected to have, but he was always the consummate professional. Other players loved making it to first base and chatting it up with Casey.

He didn't last long with the Pirates as Casey was trade to the Tigers in the same season. He would play in Detroit through 2007, even getting the chance to play in the World Series in 2006. Casey reached a one-year deal with the Red Sox during the offseason. He was to be the backup for first baseman, Kevin Youkilis. Due to various injuries, Casey has gotten some playing time as the stater at first. In limited action this season he is hitting .371 with no homeruns, six runs and eight RBIs.