Opening Day, Part 1: Reds fans ready to play two Opening Days

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - It was a busy day in Cincinnati on Friday. In addition to the baseball game, the Reds hosted their annual block party outside Great American Ball Park. It had all the feeling of a regular Opening Day… almost. For a delayed Opening Day without a parade, it was still an event. On both sides of the river, young and old celebrated. People came together. It was a one of a kind day. Even though this year there are two. For a delayed, Opening Day without a parade it was still an event. On both sides of the river, young and old celebrated. People came together. It was a one of a kind day, even though this year there are two. Nothing. Not the weather, not Major League Baseball's scheduling. Nothing can take away the feeling in Cincinnati on Reds Opening Day. A lot is different this year, but for fans, the Reds opener is unchanged. "Not one bit. The traditions are here and we have to do them and we've started a new tradition with him. It's his first Opening Day,” said Kyle Owens of Franklin, The season opener is a day when it's okay to skip work, skip school and get in on the collective positive vibe. "This is Cincinnati at its best. Look the sun's coming out. The Reds are going to go all the way. I'm an eternal optimist,” said Mayor John Cranley, who was with his son and mother was grateful to have a fun way to wrap up a tough week. On Friday, he was in the vast majority. Across the river, the mayor of Newport was celebrating a different opening. They cut the ribbon on Browning's on York. It's a new bar run by former Reds left-hander Tom Browning. He started three opening days. His bar manager, Tucker Browning, was born, as you may recall, during the 1990 World Series. It's a family bar operated by Tom, Tucker, Trevor and Tanner Browning. You can see Great American Ball Park from the front door. "People can walk by on their way to the game and on their way home. I'm going to try and be a presence here. So people who are die-hard Reds fans can come in here and enjoy themselves and we can always talk Reds baseball,” said Tom Browning. So, whether it's delayed or split or whatever, Opening Day will always be about Reds baseball, family and friends. You can't change that tune. Tom Browning has a lot to celebrate this year and he will do it at Browning's on York. This is the 30th anniversary of his perfect game, the only perfect game in Reds history. It's also the 25th anniversary of his rooftop stunt where he showed up at one of those rooftop parties across from Wrigley Field in Chicago, in uniform, during the game. It's a great picture and he has posters at the bar. Before the first pitch from Olympic Silver Medalist Nick Goepper, the Reds recognized a hometown hero. Colonel Jay Johannigman of the medical corps of the United States Army Reserves was honored by the team and fans. Dr. Johannigman is a trauma surgeon at UC Health. Despite Friday's tough loss, Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini has high hopes for this team. "It's like my golf game. I can't always get my driver and my putter to be good on the same day. We've got the defense, the bats, we put the arms together and all those components working together, we're gonna be competitive for a long time,” said Castellini. The Reds are back in action on Saturday and the red carpet will be rolled out for the team, literally. They'll meet and greet with fans for "Kids Opening Day" starting at 11:30 a.m. After the series with the Nationals wraps up Sunday, the 99th Annual Findlay Market Parade will be on Monday.