Its been May 8t since the last message posted ... and many moons
prior since any new pics or information.  What's up with this Drew?
By the way, if you can, please email me at your convience.  I have a
couple questions I'd like to ask relevant to the Funatics and SMT.
You can reach me at Lyonsjazz1@....

The Reds have been on a roll lately putting them in first place in the
NL Central.  Coming home from a dificult west coast trip, the Reds
bats have been on fire.  Hopefully you were able to catch Adam Dunn's
first career grand slam Monday night against the Brewers.  It was
awesome.  Sean Casey had a career high 4 hits including three doubles.
  Tuesday, both Casey and Dunn homered.  Dunn with a very high three
run shot over the right field wall into the Reds bullpen, and Casey
going opposite field for a solo shot.  Tuesday was a very fun game for
the FUNatics as the Reds held a Kids Glove Game, entertaining the
crowd of 16,000 with props, balloons, t-shirt launches and great fan
interaction.

Dave,

Thanks for the note and inquiry.  The Funatics were out and about
during Sunday's game against the Giants.  We typically start out in
the red section and work our way down through the green to the blue
seats.  However, we have to be aware of other marketing promotions,
especially when they are asking trivia or doing the "cool contact" on
camera for the jumbotron, and we are asked not to perform while the
Kahn's Retro's are tossing hotdogs.  I hope this helps to shed some
light.  We try to get out there and do as much as we can.  We truly
appreciate the fans, for "it's not what we can do, it's what we can
get the fans to do."  Of course, the Reds'winning streak is a huge
help.  Thanks again, and we'll see you at the ballpark.
Drew

My son, two of his friends and I got to drive down to Cincinnati
Sunday for the Reds-Giants game.  I saw part of the FUNatics prior to
the game entertaining the crowd with the ring-toss helmet and the
backpack basketball game, but aside from that I really didn't see the
group perform at all on the field level until very late in the game.
This was very different from past games we've been to at Cinergy
Field when I'm pretty sure the troop entertained between one of the
earlier innings as well.  Am I wrong about this, and if not, is there
any reason we saw less of the FUNatics this trip?

Dave

What an exciting series against the Colorado Rockies! A very late
night win after a long rain delay, and a great come from behind win to
sweep.  The FUNatics were on hand to entertain the crowds throughout
the series.  The crowds are getting louder and louder, especially when
we get up on the dugouts to launch t-shirts with our cannons.  Thanks
to all the fans who make each and every game a special one for all of
us, of course it's not what we can do, it's what we can get the fans
to do.  Hope you all can make it to the series this weekend against
the San Fransisco Giants and see Barry Bonds one last time in
Cinergy/Riverfront.

lyonsjazz1-

Trick Daddy is on the right track.  The Cincinnati Reds/Pepsi Funatics
are owned and operated by the Sports Magic Team out of Orlando.  Like
other teams of interactive entertainment around the country for
various teams and sporting events, we work for SMT, are contracted by
the Cincinnati Reds and sponsored by Pepsi.  As P-Lynch was saying, we
perform at the majority of Reds home games, and we also are utilized
for various other things when there might be a need.  Members of the
FUNAtics have travelled and performed at Minor League games, NHRA,
Superbike Championships, Arena Football, the All-Star Game, on tour
with George Strait, plus many local events including Grand Openings,
High School Football, Walk America, dedications, birthday parties and
bar mitzvah's, charitible functions with Cincinnati Children's
Hospital, and many more.  For more info be sure to check with the SMT,
at www.sportsmagicteam.com or by phone at 1-800-646-1110.  Thanks,
Drew

Yes, the final Opening Day for Cinergy/Riverfront came and went, and
with a win!  The FUNAtics were in full force and spirit for the
Opening Day parade, and the following game.  I apologize for not
updating lately, it's been busy.  The FUNAtics returned from Spring
Training geared and ready to make their sixth Opening Day appearance.
  It was quite an experience especially for our three new rookies, who
saw and did more than they could have believed.  Mike A. stopped in
from Orlando to check on how we do things in the Nati, and was quite
impressed, in fact after becoming filled on Skyline Chili, there was
nothing bad to say.  The first week of play went by with the rookies
getting their feet wet with the props and the cannons, and a great
time was had by all.  So, there's a bit of an update for you.  Be sure
to check back soon for pictures from Opening Day of the FUNAtics with
country music star Tracy Bird, Big Red Machine great Ken Griffey,
everyone's favorite majority owner Marge Schott, and the Hooter's
Girls, plus some interesting shots around the stadium.  Til next
time... see you at the ballpark.
Drew

SMT does operate several other teams.  The work with the NBA NHL
NASCAR MLB.  Pretty much anywhere you see people like the funatics
out and about at sporting event its SMT.  The Funatics also do events
for things other than sports teams.  like last year we did a company
picnic for great american insurance.  i hope this sheds some light on
the the subject for more info check out sportsmagicteam.com


PATRICK LYNCH

The Reds Funatics are a part of the Sports Magic Team based in
Orlando.  I've read some about SMT, but I'm curious ... are the
Funatics and other SMT entertainment groups such as the Mavs
Funslingers and others owned by SMT or are they independent
franchises of SMT?   I have read two articles saying that groups such
as the Funatics are franchised.   Can you offer ANY info?

Where is the update. It is 4 days away from opening day, and the only
message is, funatics go to spring training? cmon, get off yer bums.

The 2002 Pepsi FUNatics will be heading to their
Spring Training Friday morning in preparation for the
final season at Riverfront/Cinergy Field. We'll return
the following Tuesday and get ready for the Opening
Day Parade and the Opening Day Game. See you at the
ballpark!

If thats your real name.<br>Signed, Suspicious

Children of all ages, <br>The Cincinnati Red's 2002 Opening Day<br>Ins't very
far away. Can ya feel it?<br>If so, stop it! you could do damage to your eyes or
something.

Thanks to everyone who came out to interviews and
the auditions for the 2002 Reds/Pepsi FUNatics. We
had a fun evening, some good laughs, and the group
dynamics and interactions were funtastic. This years squad
will bring back returning veterans: in his 5th year-
Drew, his 4th year- John, and in their 3rd year- Brad
and Ryan. Joining the squad this year as rookies we
welcome David, Chuckles, Leigh and Michelle. A huge
thanks goes out to the Cincinnati Reds, especially Amy
in marketing, and of course, up from Sports Magic
Team in Orlando, George and Mindi. This looks to be an
extremely exciting year and we all look forward to
it.<br>Up next for the FUNatics: Spring Training. We'll be
heading to Florida March 8th for a little training. More
updates later.<br>The site will get a new look coming
soon. Be sure to check back, and tell all your
friends.<br>See you at the ballpark!

Called REDsLEGs!

The Sports Magic Team will be in Cincinnati in
mid-February holding auditions for the Cincinnati Reds/Pepsi
FUNatics 2002 on the following dates:<br><br>Feb. 11 -
interviews in the Crosley Room 6p-9p<br><br>Feb 12 - Call
backs in the Crosley Room beginning at 6pm<br><br>For
more infomation, visit sportsmagicteam.com or call
1-800-646-1110. Thanks,<br>See you there,<br>Drew

Doors open at 9 actual event starts at 11 until
1. Some players, coaches, and front office personel
will be there to answer questions from fans. It is at
the Slugger museum in Louisville. Admission is free.

If you were able to attend the 6th Annual
RedsFest, then you know you were in for a treat. Friday,
Ken Griffey Jr's presence was a present. He stopped
by and signed autographs on cards for kids. It was
an extremely busy weekend with lots of fans and a
great line-up of players signing and posing for
pictures. The Pepsi FUNatics were on hand stirring up fun
everywhere they went, playing games, blowing up balloons and
tossing out t-shirts. Hope everyone had a great time.
Have a great Holiday Season. See you soon!

Never Leave the Ballpark! Pave your friends and
family permanently into Reds History by purchasing a
brick to be placed in the main walkway of Great
American Ballpark on Crosley Terrace, flanked by the
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. There are a limited number of
bricks available. So be sure to purchase them for your
friends or family now! Fore more information, call the
Reds Brick Campaign at 866-850-2100, or to learn more
about Crosley Terrace, Great American Ballpark or to
order a brick online, visit www.cincinnatireds.com

Make sure you mark your calendars for Redsfest
2001 December 7th, and 8th. All your favorite Reds
players will be there, as will Mr. Red and the Reds/Pepsi
FUNatics, for pictures and autographs. Be sure to come by
and say "hey" to the FUNatics.

redslegs21,<br><br>I would check with the Reds Front office, or I might check
with the Convention center on how you could volunteer.  Best to you,<br>Drew

Hey Drew,<br>Do you know how you can sign up or get info on volunteering for it?
I checked their site, but it just tells you times and dates.

You can still catch all your favorite Reds
players, including Mr. Red, and of course the Pepsi
FUNatics in action during RedsFest. This years event will
take place December 7th and 8th. Be sure to be there
for a great off season time!

check them out!  enjoy!

We will be at the game tonight and most likely Sunday cheering on the guys!

On Friday, September 28th, Ryan, with brother
Matt and sister Mischel, performed spectacular
renditions of the Canadian and American National Anthems
before the crowd at the start of the Expos and Reds
three game series. What a voice, plenty of staff and
fans complimented Ryan on job well done. Be sure to
check back soon for pictures. Remember, next weekend,
October 5th, 6th, and 7th is the end of the season. See
you there!

With the Season coming to a close, there are only
six home games remaining - a three game series with
Montreal Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 28th, 29th
and 30th respectively; and a three game series with
Philadelphia Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 5th, 6th and
7th respectively. Be sure to get your tickets now,
and we'll see you at the ballpark!

I looked at all your pictures and stuck you in my
favorites. Thanks for refering me to this site Drew! Seems
like you and the others really enjoy fun on the
job!<br>Melissa<br>I will try and hunt the FUNatics down at the next
Reds game.

The Cincinnati Reds and the Pepsi FUNatics were
saddened over the devastating loss suffered in the
terrorists attacks that took place last week. The return to
baseball Tuesday night with a win over the Cubs at Cinergy
was exciting, even if to take our minds off of the
tradegy, it was needed. Our hearts weigh heavy for the
families and loved ones of the victims. Take care.

Former FUNatic Brian, brad's older brother, got
married at the end of July. The FUNatics were on hand for
the festivities. Be sure to check out the pictures to
see how well the FUNatics clean-up! You'll be amazed!