Episode 23: Hal McCoy, Legendary Dayton Daily News Reds Beat Writer

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Hal McCoy, a legendary journalist who has covered the Cincinnati Reds, joins the podcast. He shares stories from his career, including breaking news to a manager that he had been fired and his complicated relationships with Joe Morgan, Eric Davis, Pete Rose. McCoy also discusses his love for the game of baseball and his intro to writing by a high school typing teacher.

Hal shares his insights on the Cincinnati Reds and his experiences covering the team. He discusses the rise of the Big Red Machine in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the impact of free agency on team dynasties, and the role of analytics in baseball. McCoy also talks about his favorite managers, memorable moments in Reds history, and his personal life.

Overall, he provides a unique perspective on the team and the sport.

Takeaways

• Hal McCoy covered the Cincinnati Reds for 50 plus years and has won numerous awards for his writing.
• He became a Reds fan in the late 1960s and has remained a fan throughout his career.
• He believes that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame based on his on-field accomplishments.
• McCoy's favorite memory as a Reds fan is difficult to choose, but he recalls a moment when he asked a manager about a player's performance and was scolded for not focusing on the team's win. The Big Red Machine was a talented team that was built around young players like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez.
• Free agency has made it difficult for teams to build dynasties, as players often move from team to team.
• Analytics can be useful in baseball, but the best managers still rely on their instincts and the eye test.
• Leadership and veteran presence are important factors in a team's success.
• Hal McCoy's favorite managers are Lou Piniella and Jack McKeon.
• Hal McCoy has fond memories of covering the Reds and has regrets about missing his sons' athletic events.
• Hal McCoy prefers LaRosa's over Cassano's, Skyline over Gold Star, and United Dairy Farmers over Graeter's.

Sound Bites

• "I may have been the only sportswriter ever to tell a manager he was fired."
• "I wrote a column saying, you know, it was good that Joe was leaving. They were breaking up the big red machine and it was good for him to move on because he wasn't going to be part of the future."
• "For what he did on the field, I mean, think about it, 4,200 and some hits. Anybody to match that would have to have 200 hits for 20 straight years."
• "One team can't really build a dynasty."
• "I am old school. I am so old school."

Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!