reggie sanders was inducted Saturday as the Reds Hall of Fame class of 2026 was officially honored ahead of the Reds’ game in Cincinnati. He entered with Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang and former manager Lou Piniella in a ceremony that brought several eras of Reds history into one moment. The event was marked by emotional remarks, standing applause and a strong crowd presence for the newest Hall of Famers.
Class of 2026 inducted before the game
The ceremony took place in Cincinnati before the Reds’ game, with the class of 2026 formally welcomed into the Hall of Fame. reggie sanders was inducted alongside Phillips, Harang and Piniella, giving the franchise a group that reflected both star players and a championship-era manager. Several other Reds Hall of Famers attended, including Chris Sabo, Bronson Arroyo, Eric Davis, Cesar Geronimo, Ken Griffey Sr., Tony Perez and Johnny Bench.
Phillips, a second baseman for the Reds from 2006 to 2016, was described as one of the most popular players in team history. He won four Gold Gloves during his time with the club and earned three All-Star selections. Earlier this week, Phillips announced he would sign a ceremonial one-day contract on Saturday so he could also retire as a Red.
Emotional remarks from Sanders, Phillips, Harang and Piniella
“I love my fans, I love all of y’all. Thank you for motivating me and inspiring me, ” Phillips said during the ceremony. “… I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for you all. ”
Harang, who played for Cincinnati from 2003 to 2010, was recognized for a run that included leading the National League in strikeouts in 2006 with 216. He also led the Reds in strikeouts in the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 seasons. “Standing here tonight feels like home. Cincinnati is home, ” Harang said during the ceremony.
reggie sanders, who played for the team from 1991 to 1998 and earned an All-Star selection in 1995, was emotional as he accepted the honor. “I said I’m not going to cry, but I’m bawling right now, ” Sanders said. The 58-year-old thanked his mother, who was in the crowd, adding, “I’m eternally grateful. You are the reason I’m standing here today. ”
Piniella, known as “Sweet Lou, ” began managing the Reds in 1990 and led the team to a World Series championship that same season. He later managed Cincinnati for two more seasons. “I have so many great memories of this town, this franchise and the team I led, ” Piniella said, adding that the four-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics in the 1990 World Series was a “thrill” and that he would remember the day for the rest of his life.
What the honor means for the franchise
The induction tied together players and a manager whose careers left major marks on the organization. For reggie sanders, the moment placed his Reds tenure in the spotlight alongside teammates and era-defining figures who were celebrated in the same class.
The ceremony also showed how the franchise continues to frame its Hall of Fame as both a historical archive and a living event, with former stars returning to salute those being honored. With the class of 2026 now inducted, the attention shifts back to the field, while the day’s emotion and recognition will remain part of Reds history.
