The game

Deion Sanders wears his pants at his knees in honor of Negro Leagues and Jackie Robinson. (Craig Ruttle photo)

Sanders steals third in the sixth inning as the ball eludes third baseman Vinny Castilla. (Saed Hindash photo)

Reds starter John Smiley throws the first pitch of the 1997 season (Michael E. Keating photo)

Willie Greene, right, is greeted by Deion Sanders after hitting a two-run homer in the first inning. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Eddie Taubensee races toward home after passing third base coach Joel Youngblood (Saed Hindash photo)

The fans

Deion Sanders fans Chad Stull, Rob Wilder, Ryan Oesters, Rob Ellinger and Zach Parks painted letters on their chests to spell PRIME and on their backs to spell TIME! (Michael E. Keating photo)

Up in the red seats, 11-year-old Nick Seger holds a sign for Barry Larkin. At right are Nick's cousin Kevin Seger and Kevin's dad Dave. (Saed Hindash photo)

The festivities

Mr. Red returned to the stadium after being retired in 1982. (Saed Hindash photo)

The East Central High School Band leads the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Ohio Gov. George Voinovich rides a bicycle in the parade. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Johnny Bench, hired as a special consultant, acknowledges applause during pre-game introductions. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Marge Schott and manager Ray Knight release white doves to mark the new season. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Opening Day stories

GAME STORY
BOX, RUNS
WHOA, BABY! WHAT A DAY FOR SMILEY
LOVE IS IN THE AIR OPENING DAY
TRIPLE A WON'T TARNISH POKEY'S DAY Paul Daugherty column
BOUNCES WILL ADD WRINKLES FOR REDS Tim Sullivan column
MR. RED COULD GIVE BASEBALL A BIG HEAD Cliff Radel column
BICHETTE WEARS BULLS-EYE IN LF
NOTEBOOK: REESE SENT TO INDY
ALLEN HEARS POSITIVES FROM FANS
BAN DOESN'T KEEP SCHOTT OUT OF SPOTLIGHT
REDS HONOR McSHERRY