By Goody Tate
The Cincinnati Reds and Findlay Market Parade Committee have announced the Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal for the 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade: One of the most accomplished third basemen in club history – Chris Sabo – and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip.
The announcement was made on March 7 at the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade press conference.
City Manager Sheryl Long and other city representatives attended the conference, along with Parade Chairman Neil Luken. Phil Castellini and Rick Walls also spoke on behalf of the Cincinnati Reds.
The 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon on Thursday, March 27 and precedes the Reds vs. San Francisco Giants game at 4:10 P.M.
About the Grand Marshal
Chris Sabo – Third Base – 1988-1993, 1996 with the Reds: One of the most accomplished third basemen in club history, Chris Sabo was an All-Star in his first season in 1988 and became one of only eight players in Reds history to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Sabo anchored third base for the Reds for the next five seasons including All-Star campaigns in 1990 and 1991. During the Reds’ 1990 world championship season, Sabo led the club in home runs, doubles and runs scored. In the World Series, his .563 batting average was the second highest on the club and included a two-home run, three-RBI performance in the Reds’ 8-3 victory in Game 3. A fine defensive third baseman, Sabo twice led NL third basemen in fielding percentage and finished second in the league once. In 2010, Sabo joined Bill Werber (Class of 1961) and Heinie Groh (Class of 1963) as the only third basemen inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.
About the Honorary Grand Marshal
Michael Waltrip – NASCAR Driver & Broadcaster: Owensboro, Kentucky native Michael Waltrip is a two-time Daytona 500 champion with over 1,000 NASCAR Cup Series starts. After 33 years as a driver, he transitioned to a respected team owner and broadcaster, joining FOX NASCAR’s Cup Series coverage in 2012. Michael’s presence at the 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade comes as FOX prepares to broadcast the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2nd, featuring the Reds vs. the Atlanta Braves. His Kentucky roots and contributions to both motorsports and broadcasting make him a fitting Honorary Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.
About the Parade
This year’s 106th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade will showcase fan favorites, featuring over 160 units, including 16 marching bands and nearly 50 horses. Along with the Smoothie King Bengals Alumni Unit, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, and Miss Ohio, sponsored by Jake Sweeney, we are excited to welcome a new unit highlighting 10 Olympians with Cincinnati ties, including 2024 Paris Olympic swimmer Carson Foster.
The Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) is a private non-profit corporation founded in 2000 to manage Findlay Market following its renovation in 2002 and 2003. On July 1, 2004, CFFM and the City of Cincinnati entered into a lease and management agreement that authorizes CFFM to manage and operate the market. The Corporation for Findlay Market is a tax-exempt 501(C)3 organization.
COURTESY REDS MEDIA RELATIONS
