Uncovering a Hidden Gem in Tony Perez's Statue at Great American Ball Park

Even the most devoted Cincinnati Reds supporters might be unaware of a fascinating detail regarding one of the team's statues outside Great American Ball Park. The series of bronze sculptures honoring legendary players features an impressive roster, including the likes of Pete Rose, Joe Nuxhall, Joe Morgan, and Johnny Bench. Among these celebrated figures, Tony Perez's statue stands out with a unique hidden feature that can easily be overlooked.

Unveiled in 2015, Perez's statue immortalizes a significant moment in baseball history—his two-run homer in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. This clutch hit, which soared over Fenway Park's Green Monster, was pivotal in the Reds' triumphant 4-3 victory. However, the statue's special detail isn't part of the sculpture itself; to discover it, one must turn around and gaze at the rooftop of the nearby Current at The Banks apartment building.

If you peer closely enough, you’ll spot a bronze-colored baseball perched atop the building. This whimsical touch is intended to represent Perez’s historic home run ball and was conceived by Tom Tsuchiya, the talented artist responsible for all of the Reds' statues. Tsuchiya expressed that he wanted to highlight Perez's critical contribution to the Reds' legacy by including this clever detail. “It is kind of an Easter egg and I did that for that reason,” he noted. “Some people know about it, but the majority of people have no idea, and that's also kind of the fun part.”

Importantly, the ball on the building is crafted from foam coated in plastic, ensuring it poses no risk to pedestrians below should it detach. Tsuchiya has a fondness for integrating such hidden elements into his works; for instance, he included a figure of Rosie Red on the backside of the Pete Rose statue as a nod to the fan group that assisted him during its creation.

Next time you visit Crosley Terrace at Great American Ball Park, don't forget to seek out the hidden baseball and explore other subtle surprises within the statues. A little knowledge about Tony Perez's illustrious career enhances the experience, as he remains a celebrated figure in Reds history.