Sometimes baseball needs a little luck—and apparently, a little skin. The Cincinnati Reds snapped out of their early-season offensive slump in the most unforgettable way possible, routing the Washington Nationals 15-1 in a game that had fans laughing, cringing, and maybe covering their eyes.
What sparked the season-high 15-run explosion? It wasn't a hitting clinic or a new batting stance. According to manager Terry Francona, the credit goes to bench coach Mike Napoli—and his lucky Speedo.
"Nap broke out the Tito Speedo," Francona said with a grin, carefully choosing his words. "We had good vibes going in today."
Yes, the 44-year-old Napoli, built like a former catcher who's enjoyed a few too many postgame meals, donned a custom-made Speedo that catcher Tyler Stephenson had gifted Francona as a gag during spring training. The skivvies are plastered with photos of Francona from his 1980s Reds playing days, front and back. And Napoli didn't just flash it in the clubhouse—he wore it all game long.
"Poor guy," Francona said, shaking his head.
The result? The Reds pounded out 14 hits, including four home runs (two from JJ Bleday) and three doubles. Every player in the lineup reached base, and five had multi-hit games. Even backup catcher Jose Trevino delivered a clutch two-out, two-run double in the fourth inning.
"First I've heard about that," Trevino laughed when told of Napoli's pregame fashion statement. "But hey, whatever works."
Bleday summed it up perfectly: "I didn't hear about it, but thankfully he wore it."
The Reds entered the game with a league-worst 2-10 record in May, their offensive struggles on full display nightly. Now, with the magic Speedo back in rotation, the team might just have found its good luck charm. Expect it to travel with the club to Cleveland—and maybe become a permanent fixture in the dugout.
For fans, it's a reminder that sometimes the best rally starter isn't a new bat or a swing adjustment—it's a little bit of luck, a lot of laughs, and a bench coach willing to sacrifice his dignity for the win.