Monday, August 13, 2001
Soto says thanks
Former pitcher inducted into team's Hall of Fame
By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Mario Soto must have known what was coming.
In his pregame induction ceremony Sunday into the Reds Hall of Fame, Soto invoked the name of countryman Jose Rijo.
“If I want to make a comeback like Jose, I'll do it here again,” said Soto, who pitched from the Reds from 1977 through 1988.
During Sunday's game, Reds general manager Jim Bowden announced Rijo was being called up to the Reds Friday. He hasn't pitched in the big leagues in six years, but began a comeback July 4 at Single-A Dayton.
Soto, 45, of course, is too old for a comeback. But he knew how to give a speech Sunday — short and sweet and humble.
“I want to say thank you very much to the Cincinnati Reds organization for giving me the opportunity to become a professional baseball player,” said Soto, who was signed by the Reds out of a tryout camp in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, in 1973.
“And I want to thank (then-Reds manager) Sparky Anderson who gave me a chance to play in the big leagues ... I had many, many good times here in Cincinnati, and I thank you the fans for all the support.”
Also inducted (posthumously) into the Reds' Hall Sunday was Long Bob Ewing, who pitched for the Reds from 1902-1909. He had a 2.37 ERA.
Ewing, who died in 1947 at age 74, had a lot of family support at Cinergy Field Sunday. Eight grandchildren were present.
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Soto says thanks
