By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Harmon

On Friday, Chuck Harmon will be standing on a small mound of dirt - and it will be one of the highlights of his life.

Harmon, the first African-American to play for the Cincinnati Reds, will throw out the first pitch at the first exhibition game in Great American Ball Park. The Reds host the Cleveland Indians at 7:10 p.m. Friday.

"I'm on cloud nine," Harmon said Wednesday. "That's a once-in-a-lifetime thing - until they tear the stadium down and build a new one."

Charles Byron Harmon's professional baseball career began in 1954, when he was the first African-American to appear in a regular-season game for the Reds. During a four-year stint with the Reds and Cardinals, he batted .238 as a third baseman and outfielder. In 1958, he finished his major-league career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He stayed in the minor leagues until 1961.

In 1997, six blocks of Rosedale Avenue in Golf Manor were renamed Chuck Harmon Way. He also has been honored during events at Crosley Field and Cinergy Field.

"He is certainly tied to our history," said John Allen, chief operating officer for the Reds. "I think most people in Cincinnati know who he is."

As for who will throw out the first pitch during Monday's regular-season opener, the Reds are awaiting confirmation from the office of President Bush.

"Monday's first-pitch announcement will depend on whether President Bush is attending," said Rob Butcher, the Reds' director of media relations.

Butcher expects that word to come "relatively quickly."

The Reds have asked Mayor Charlie Luken to throw out the first pitch Saturday, but he hasn't confirmed yet.

Harmon was selected for his personality as much as his past with the Reds.

"He loves the Reds, and we love him," Allen said.

The 78-year-old Golf Manor resident is flattered the club considered him.

Now Harmon is just hoping the ball makes it to home plate.

"Everybody at work has been telling me I have to get that arm warmed up," he said.

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com