By John Fay and Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Reds great Johnny Bench hugs clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe at the Great American Ball Park. The club dedicated the new clubhouse to Stowe. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

The name Stowe has been synonymous with the Reds clubhouse for years.

So the Reds went ahead and made it official Sunday by naming the clubhouse at Great American Ball Park for Bernie Stowe.

Stowe has worked in the Reds' clubhouse since 1947. He was named clubhouse manager in 1968.

The ceremony was a surprise to Stowe.

"I'm shocked, really," he said.

Hall of Famer Johnny Bench presented the plaque that will hang outside the clubhouse to Stowe.

"I want to give my congratulations to the best man I know," Bench said.

Chief executive officer Carl Lindner, as well as all the players, were gathered for the ceremony. Stowe's wife (Priscilla), four children (Mark, Kimberly, Jeff and Rick) and 12 grandchildren were there as well.

Stowe serves as senior clubhouse and equipment manager. His son, Rick, is the clubhouse and equipment manager. Another of his sons, Mark, is the visiting clubhouse manager.

"One of our objectives in the new ballpark is not to forget our history," Reds chief operating officer John Allen said. "We knew from Day One that we were going to honor Bernie somehow."

Stowe was touched.

"I'm really honored," Stowe said. "I want to thank the owners and general managers for keeping me around so long."

GRAVES OK: Right-hander Danny Graves had no problems with the blisters on his fingers when pitching a simulated game Sunday.

Graves threw four innings.

"He looked fine," Reds manager Bob Boone said.

Graves had to leave his last start in spring training because of blood blisters. Graves will start Friday against the Chicago Cubs.

STAYING CALM: Jimmy Haynes has been trying to keep everything in perspective, trying not to worry about being the Opening Day starter for the Reds at their new stadium.

But that doesn't mean Haynes won't be a little nervous today.

"You get butterflies a lot of times, even during the season," Haynes said. "You've just got to try and keep your emotions under control and push those back.

"You know you've got a job to do and you've done it many times before."

EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE: Haynes hopes to meet and get a picture with former President George H.W. Bush, who is throwing out the first pitch.

Haynes met current President George W. Bush at the opening game at Miller Park in 2001 and former President Bill Clinton while playing with the Orioles in 1996.