By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Broadcaster and former Reds great Joe Nuxhall kisses his wife Donzetta after unveiling a statue of himself at Great American Ball Park. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

Lefty Joe Nuxhall, 74, faced the best hitters the National League had to offer in his 15 years as a Reds pitcher.

None of them made Nuxhall as nervous as he was Sunday. Nuxhall, a Reds icon, is a humble man. And it is hard to be humble when they unveil a bronze statue of you.

"This is a wonderful thing," Nuxhall said. "Getting prepared for this is probably the toughest thing I've done. To think of all the great players in this organization. . . . you don't know how special this is to me. I don't know what to say.

"It's mind boggling to think that when I'm dead my statue will be standing there as people walk into this park."

Nuxhall is one of four players from the Crosley Field era to be immortalized with sculptures on the Crosley Terrace.

Nuxhall's was dedicated in a ceremony Sunday. Nuxhall's family, including his 94-year-old mother Naomi, were there. His sons, Phil and Kim, both gave emotional tributes to their famous dad.

Nuxhall's statue was the second of the four unveiled. Ted Kluszewski's was unveiled on Opening Day. Frank Robinson's and Ernie Lombardi's will be dedicated at a later date.

"I have no reluctance in saying this: There's been more popular players. But there is not a more popular figure in the history of this great franchise," said Marty Brennaman, Nuxhall's radio partner for 30 years.

Local artist Thomas Tsuchiya depicted Nuxhall following through after delivering a pitch.

Asked if he still could get in that position, Nuxhall said: "I could get into it. But it would take a crane to get me out."