By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Sean Casey made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame a couple of years ago on the strength of two hits.

The Reds' first baseman could add to his legacy today when the Reds open Great American Ball Park for its first regular season game.

Casey holds the distinction of having christened the last two new major league stadiums - PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Miller Park in Milwaukee - with their first regular season hits.

"I don't know if I'll be at the top of the order so it might be a little tougher," said Casey, who reported no lingering soreness in his right wrist Sunday.

"But, hey, if (Pirates starter Kris) Benson is dealing and (Reds starter) Jimmy Haynes is dealing, maybe I'll get a chance to do it."

He singled off Brewers pitcher Jeff D'Amico on April 6, 2001, and hit a two-run homer off Todd Ritchie three days later at the Pirates' new stadium.

The 34-inch, 32-ounce bat Casey used for both hits was sent to the Hall of Fame.

"It's so funny," said Casey, who plans on visiting Cooperstown within the next year. "You always think you want to get inducted into Cooperstown, but just to have something there is phenomenal."