By Joe Kay
The Associated Press

Veteran shortstop Barry Larking was dressed for cold weather during practice at the Great American Ball Park on Sunday. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

The Secret Service won't have to worry when former President George Bush takes the mound and throws the first pitch at Great American Ball Park. The way they're swinging, the Cincinnati Reds couldn't touch the left-hander if they tried.

As they prepare to open a new era, the Reds have gone into a deep slump that shows no sign of abating. They scored two measly runs while losing two exhibitions to the Cleveland Indians over the weekend.

It's been that way for a while, and the timing couldn't be worse.

"We've had about 10 days of this," manager Bob Boone said. "It would be a good time to break out of it on Monday."

Bush, filling in for his son the president, will christen the ballpark with his ceremonial toss at 4 p.m. EST. The Pittsburgh Pirates will then set out to keep the Reds quiet and give them a little payback.

The Reds ruined the coming-out party for PNC Park on April 9, 2001, beating the Pirates 8-2. Pittsburgh native Sean Casey hit the park's first homer and drove in five runs, carving a place in Pirates' history.

Fittingly, the Pirates were invited to the Reds' inaugural game.

"I hope it's enjoyable," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "It's a part of history, so you certainly take a lot of pride in it. I hope it's special. The people of Cincinnati are proud of their new ballpark. I hope it's a nice night."

McClendon was referring not to the weather forecast, but to the Pirates' chances of getting the first victory in the new park. They've got a decent chance.

The Reds haven't been much in home openers recently, getting one win, three losses and a rain-forged tie in the last five years. They're already 0-2 at Great American, although those two practice-game losses were written in scorecard pencil rather than record-keeping ink.

"This will be my sixth opening day, and we've only won one," said second baseman Aaron Boone, who hit the last homer at the old stadium. "There's always so much hype with opening day here in Cincinnati. It's such a crazy day, such a fun day, but we always end up losing."

Ken Griffey, Jr. readies for batting practice Sunday at the Great American Ball Park. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

They lost their first game at Riverfront Stadium on June 30, 1970, when Hank Aaron hit the first homer and the Braves won 8-2. A day later, Tommy Helms hit the Reds' first homer to get them their first win.

They've had more practice at opening ballparks in recent years, and gotten mixed results. Three days before they opened PNC Park, they played the first game at Miller Park in Milwaukee and lost to the Brewers 5-4.

Casey also got the first hit in Milwaukee's new park, making him baseball's best opening act. He jammed his right wrist while diving for a ball on Friday night, but dismissed any thought that he might have to sit out the opener.

"Are you guys hurting for news stories?" he said, laughing.

Pirates reliever Scott Sauerbeck wouldn't mind if Casey got the first hit, as long as he got the first game ball. Sauerbeck grew up in Cincinnati, skipped school to attend many an opener, and can recite all of the historic moments at Riverfront Stadium.

He'd love to make one such moment in the new place.

"I'm sure I'll put some dirt from the mound in my pocket," Sauerbeck said. "If I get in, I'm going to ask for the ball when I leave the game.

"I'm going to try to treat it like any other game, but it's a childhood dream come true. I'm excited. It's a big day for me. I was a die-hard Reds fan. I just wish Pete Rose could be there."

Rose can't. His lifetime ban for gambling prevents him from participating in the opening, and he turned down offers to lead the annual downtown parade and sit in the stands with the mayor.

Instead of the past, the focus will be on the field. Who gets the first hit? Who hits the first homer? Who wins the first game that counts?

Who wouldn't love to play in a game like this?

"We're looking forward to the craziness," Aaron Boone said.