'The one constant through all the years has been baseball'

By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

With the Reds playing good baseball currently, having a son who already loves to hit off the tee at 1 year old, and being grateful for everything God has blessed me with in life – it just felt right to discuss the importance of baseball.  

If you’re reading my column routinely, you’ve probably watched "Field of Dreams," as it is an all-time baseball movie. I watched it over the weekend again and it is so relevant even in 2026. As I think of the times we are in and the chaos that surrounds our busy lives, baseball has always been consistent.  

Cherishing every single day that we have and enjoying a game with my family is some of my most fond memories – and I plan to make many more.  

I call my father routinely about the game and while he is a fair-weather fan (sorry dad – or maybe I am overly optimistic), there is nothing like talking baseball with my dad. I hope to have many years of leaving life’s stress and enjoying the game with my son and passing down the love for the peace, the sounds of baseball, and the enjoyment of playing and watching the game.  

On Easter, I had the Reds game on at Jenna’s parents home and my son reached up for me in the 9th inning (nothing to do with the game – just ready for a nap – lol), my father in-law watched the majority of the game with me before snoozing on the couch, my wife had the game on in the other room with the ladies of the family, and my dad and I discussed the game once I got home.  

I never want to take this for granted. I think Archie “Moonlight" Graham stated it best when he said “We just don’t recognize life’s most significant moments while they’re happening. Back then I thought, ‘well, there’ll be other days.’ I didn’t realize that was the only day.”  

If you have a friend, father, son, daughter, mother, or relative that you haven’t talked to in a while or haven’t had the best relationship with lately, maybe this is your sign to call them about the game or catch a game together. We all are living this life for the first time, right?  

With Easter, the Reds game on, and a viewing of "Field of Dreams" with my wife this weekend, it just felt like it was needed to be written about. My wife and I are currently building a baseball field beside our home and while Shoeless Joe Jackson won’t be showing up, the memories with my son there will hopefully carry-on. I hope to have a “catch” with my father there as well, for old Knothole-times sake. Start looking for your old silver and black Rawlings now, “Pappy.”  

Many throughout the movie reminded me of those special to me in my life. While I can’t look at Kevin Costner anymore without thinking of John Dutton, he plays a perfect role. Annie reminded me of my wife as I watched the film again as well, as she has always been passionate for standing up for what is right.  

In times that we are living in right now, this movie couldn’t be more relevant. Questioning things, not following the crowds to fit in, and having intelligent conversations regarding the political climate is what I love most about my wife. If you haven’t found a “Jenna,” I pray you find one.  

With a family, full-time jobs, health, and trying to make time for family, life can become quite chaotic. Make the time this week. Ferris Bueller told us best when he stated “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” 

Easter sweep

All right, let’s get down to business. The Redlegs pulled off a sweep on Easter and have officially claimed their best start in 5 seasons. The majority of this is because the pitching staff has been absolute nails. At 6-3, the Reds find themselves 1 game back from the first place Brewers in the National League Central.  

They’ve given up just the second fewest runs in the National League (30), while scoring the least amount of runs (26). The bats will come around and while Rece Hinds and JJ Bleday deserve to be playing up, Friedl and Marte can’t continue to be this bad forever. The runs are coming.  

Positives

Rhett Lowder is the real deal. He has the fifth lowest ERA in history by any MLB pitcher through their first 8 career starts (going back to 61’). His five career scoreless starts of at least five innings ties the record by any MLB pitcher going back to 1900 in their first eight starts. History in the making.  

Chase Burns is a future Cy Young winner. He’s pitched 11 innings thus far with 16 Ks, 4 BB, and an ERA of just 0.82. He is special and his ability to get swing and miss is the best I have seen from someone so young.  

Sal Stewart continues to lead the way with a batting average of .367 through nine games.  

Matt McLain hasn’t been as hot as he was in spring training, but his OBP of .366 will certainly play. He is seeing the ball well, leading to 6 walks. 

Dane Myers with limited playing time as shown to be a great addition in the batters box, as well as in the field. He deserves more at-bats as the season progresses. 

The bullpen in its entirety. Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips have been filthy, while the others have been holding their own as well.