Statue Unveiled Honoring Tony Pérez for His Legendary Contributions to the Cincinnati Reds
On August 22, 2015, the Cincinnati Reds proudly unveiled a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Tony Pérez, honoring his remarkable legacy as a key figure in the franchise’s golden era. The emotional ceremony took place outside Great American Ball Park on Crosley Terrace, where Pérez joined fellow Reds greats immortalized in sculpture.
The statue was commissioned as part of “Tony Pérez Weekend,” a celebration that brought together former teammates, fans, and members of the historic Big Red Machine—the Reds dynasty of the 1970s that captured back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Pérez played a crucial role in those championship runs, known for his clutch hitting and powerful leadership in the clubhouse.
Sculpted by Tom Tsuchiya, a Cincinnati native and University of Cincinnati alumnus, the statue captures Pérez in a powerful batting stance—just moments before delivering a pivotal two-run homer in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series. This home run proved vital in securing the team’s championship, and it remains one of the most iconic moments in Reds history.
During the unveiling, a visibly emotional Pérez thanked the fans, his family, and the organization. “Words cannot describe how I feel,” he said. “This is one of the greatest honors of my life.” Reds legends such as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose were also on hand to celebrate the occasion, reflecting on Pérez’s importance both on the field and as a beloved teammate.
The statue joins others on Crosley Terrace—dedicated to Reds icons like Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, and more. Together, they form a tribute to the legends who shaped the franchise’s identity and history.
More than just a piece of bronze, the Tony Pérez statue stands as a symbol of dedication, humility, and championship spirit. It ensures that future generations will remember his impact not only as a baseball player, but as a cherished part of Cincinnati’s sports heritage.
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