The Reds are honoring Brandon Phillips this week.
The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday morning that Brandon Phillips will sign a one-day contract on April 25 and officially retire as a member of the organization he helped define for over a decade.
It is a moment that has been a long time coming and one that Reds fans have been waiting to see since Phillips was traded to the Atlanta Braves back in 2017.
Dat Dude's Legacy in Cincinnati
Phillips arrived in Cincinnati in April 2006 after being designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians, and he turned a second chance into one of the most beloved careers in franchise history.
Over 11 seasons with the Reds, he slashed .279/.325/.429 with 191 home runs, 311 doubles, 1,774 hits, and 194 stolen bases while establishing himself as one of the best all-around second basemen in the game.
He won four Gold Glove Awards, earned a Silver Slugger in 2011, and was named to three National League All-Star teams during his time in Cincinnati.
What made Phillips special was the way he combined flashy defense with real production at the plate, and he did all of it with a personality that made him impossible not to root for.
He still holds the franchise record for games played at second base with 1,586 and double plays turned at the position with 1,142.
Why He Belongs in the Reds Hall of Fame
Phillips belongs in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, and his case goes well beyond the numbers. His impact on the city of Cincinnati off the field was just as significant as anything he did between the lines.
He received the team's Roberto Clemente Award for community service, donated tens of thousands of dollars to build Brandon Phillips Field through the Reds Community Fund, and hosted annual charity bowling events that raised money for youth programs across the area.
His work with the Reds Urban Youth Academy and his willingness to connect with fans turned him into more than just a ballplayer.
By some estimates, Phillips was said to have signed over 30,000 autographs during his Reds tenure, and he did it all with a smile that could light up any room.
A Fitting Moment for the Franchise
The timing of this announcement lines up well with where the franchise stands right now.
Cincinnati sits at 15-8 and holds a spot atop the NL Central, riding a five-game winning streak into their series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rookie first baseman Sal Stewart has been a breakout star, and the pitching staff has carried the team through some early offensive struggles.
It is the type of energy Phillips would have loved to be around, and his return to Great American Ball Park on Friday should give the organization an extra boost heading into the weekend.
Phillips spent parts of his career with the Braves, Angels, and Red Sox after leaving Cincinnati, but the Queen City was always home.
Signing that one-day contract and walking away as a Red is the ending this story always deserved.