Friday, August 14, 1998

BY CHRISTINE WOLFF
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds are bracing for big crowds and plenty of excitement Sunday. And that's before the game even starts.

The team is giving away Beanie Babies to the first 15,000 fans 14 and younger attending the Reds' afternoon matchup with Montreal. The prize is the now-retired Rover, a red, long-eared dog. Rover, taken off shelves May 1, has an estimated value of $15-$30, expected to reach $40 by 1999. Young fans will also receive a commemorative card.

INFO GRAPHIC

Beanies' promotion a hit

The Reds emphasize that the toys are for children only. Already, they've fielded calls from adults angry that they can't pick up Rover for their Beanie Baby collections.

On Sunday, the team will increase security and issue wristbands for the toys at Gates 3 and 11 only to help ensure those entitled to Rover get him.

Beanie Baby giveaways have been hits at parks throughout the major leagues.

"Some stadiums have had lines a mile and a half long," said Cal Levy, Reds marketing consultant. "Some have had vandalism. There are some pretty fanatical people who want these things." In Chicago, three promotions at Wrigley Field have attracted sell-out crowds; a fourth promotion Sept. 13 also is sold out.

The Reds do not expect a sellout at Cinergy Field on Sunday, Mr. Levy said, but he hopes Rover will draw about 40,000 people -- up from the usual Sunday attendance of 26,000.

"Obviously, we're trying to sell tickets, but this one takes on a life of its own," he said.