“Sparky was a friend, a father and a mentor. He was everything. He gave me respect from the day I walked in the door, and I respected him back. There were times when he said, “Don't do this, don't do that” — at 22, you've still got a lot to learn — and Sparky taught me.” — Johnny Bench

        “He was one of the best managers of all-time on one of the best teams of all-time. He's one guy I had a lot of respect for.” — San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker, who played in the NL in the '70s

        “I'll always gamble — if I believe in the man I'm gambling on. I knew Sparky was honest and forthright. I needed a leader, somebody to get all that ability out of of players.” — Former Reds general manager Bob Howsam, who was the architect of the Big Red Machine

        “They (the media) talk about me being a great ambassador for the game, but let me tell you, there's no better ambassador than Sparky. He's great, and I'm thrilled for him. He likes to kid me that I was the one who got him fired (the Reds finished second in the National League West in 1977 and 1978). Hey, it was either him or me! But I love Sparky, and I'm honored to see him go into the Hall of Fame.” — Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda

        “I remember that day in spring training when he told me, “I'm here to win, and I want you to help me.” Right then, he had everybody. He wasn't saying, “Listen to me, I'll get you there.” He was saying, “Help me get us there.” I didn't even know who he was or what to expect, but that really impressed me. We wanted to win for Sparky.” — Tony Perez

Special Hall of Fame Coverage Sparky's 15 minutes of fame too short Most viewers shut out of live Hall coverage Brennaman is outspoken, on the ball and fun Hall of Fame inductions reunite 1975 heroes Tony had the numbers and the knack Five questions with Tony Tony's future: Sunny in Florida What they say about Tony All about Tony Part huckster, part genius, pure Sparky Five questions with Sparky Sparky's future: Golf, grandkids, no baseball What they say about Sparky All about Sparky Marty has classic voice for classic memories Marty's future: Cincinnati forever What they say about Marty All about Marty Five questions with Marty McPhee set standard for a century Five questions with Bid What they say about Bid

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