The Cincinnati Reds got here nicely ready for the MLB Speedway Traditional at Bristol Motor Speedway—particularly catcher Tyler Stephenson, who took the sector sporting customized Ricky Bobby-themed catcher’s gear impressed by Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
Stephenson did not waste time planning his tribute as soon as the sport was introduced. Identified for his unconventional walk-up music selections—like “Afternoon Delight” from Anchorman—the catcher instantly linked the NASCAR backdrop with one other Will Ferrell comedy traditional.
“A traditional film, they usually did a fantastic job, and I made a decision to put on it,” Stephenson stated earlier than the sport.
The gear, designed by Evoshield, replicated the enduring No. 26 Marvel Bread-sponsored automotive from the movie. His chest protector featured a customized model of the Marvel Bread emblem studying “Cincinnati,” with crimson and yellow flames on the shoulders, checkered flags, the quantity 37 in racing font, and “Tyler Robby” stitched on the backside. His hockey-style catcher’s masks additionally featured racing graphics all through.
Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is sporting Ricky Bobby catchers gear for the MLB Speedway Traditional.
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Stephenson, a Georgia native, admitted he did not develop up a NASCAR fan, however was blown away by the sheer dimension of Bristol Motor Speedway. With greater than 85,000 followers in attendance, he described the setting as not like something he’d skilled.
“It is like taking part in in entrance of a soccer crowd,” he stated, in line with The Athletic.
In 2022, Stephenson was sidelined with an damage throughout the Reds’ Discipline of Goals recreation, however nonetheless traveled with the workforce to soak within the environment. This time, totally recovered, he lastly received to be within the highlight, dressed head to toe as Ricky Bobby.
The Reds weren’t the one ones bringing film aptitude to the massive stage. Catcher José Trevino additionally joined the theme, sporting Vehicles-inspired cleats designed after Lightning McQueen. The cleats have been signed by each Tim McGraw and Pitbull, who carried out earlier than the sport. Stephenson’s tribute to Ferrell added to a rising development of gamers displaying off their character by customized gameday gear.
Though Stephenson was nonetheless in highschool when Ferrell suited up with the Reds throughout spring coaching in 2015, he stated he’d like to see him return.