Reds coach Mike Napoli committed to Tito Speedo for as long as it works
TL;DR
Reds coach Mike Napoli confirmed his commitment to wearing the Tito Speedo as long as it continues to work. The Tito Speedo, a custom-made undergarment gifted to manager Terry Francona, has become a humorous symbol for the team.
Key points
- Mike Napoli committed to wearing the Tito Speedo.
- The Tito Speedo was a gift from Tyler Stephenson to Terry Francona.
- It symbolizes humor and camaraderie within the Reds.
- Francona reacted humorously to Napoli's commitment to the Speedo.
Mentioned in this story
CLEVELAND – For all those clamoring to know, the Tito Speedo made it to Cleveland.
Not that anyone had to ask, even if manager Terry Francona did exactly that when he saw bench coach Mike Napoli before the opener of the Cincinnati Reds’ big Ohio Cup series against the Guardians.
“He goes, ‘Do you even have to ask me that? I’m offended,’ “ Francona said.
Napoli: “Then I told him I slept in it.”
The Tito Speedo is, of course, the skimpy (sexy?) undergarment that catcher Tyler Stephenson had custom-made and gifted Francona as a joke during spring training, and that Napoli procured during their daily cribbage session before the series finale at home this week against the Nationals.
JJ Bleday is a big fan of the Tito Speedo after a three-hit day that included two home runs during the Reds' 15-run outburst against the Nationals Thursday.
“We were talking, and I looked over in his locker and saw his Speedo hanging over there,” Napoli said. “I was like, ‘Is it washed?’ He said, ‘Yeah, why?’ I said, “I’m wearing it for the game today.’ “
The rest is slump-busting history for a team that has been among the lowest-scoring teams in the majors this season, including averaging less than three runs a game during the recent eight-game losing streak.
The Reds broke out for 15 runs against the Nats as soon as Napoli squeezed into the bright-colored undies with pictures of Francona’s face as a 1980s Reds player plastered across the front and back.
As the runs started piling up during the game, Napoli shared the secret to all that success with some of the hitters.
“I might have pulled down my zipper and showed a couple of guys,” he said.
Said Stephenson: “It was a great view, yeah.”
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) plays a bounding ground ball off the bat of Luis García Jr. in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Young fans cheer from the upper deck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and Washington Nationals third baseman Jorbit Vivas (84) chat at second base in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Young fans dance during the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) runs for first as he grounds out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) looks up toward Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) as he is forced out in a double play in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and left fielder Spencer Steer (7) score on a three-run home run by designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) is visited at the mound before being relieved in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitcher Zak Kent (57) throws a pitch in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after finishing his outing in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) runs for first as he grounds out in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) catches a line drive off the bat of Jorbit Vivas in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Blake Dunn (59) attempts to outrun a tag from Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas (14) a dropped third strike in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) returns to the dugout after making substitutions in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) celebrates as he walks for the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Injured Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) watches from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) celebrates a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitching position player Joey Wiemer (21) shakes his head as he gives up a home run to Dane Myers in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera (10) looks on from the dugout stairs in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) and pitcher Connor Phillips (34) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) plays a bounding ground ball off the bat of Luis García Jr. in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Young fans cheer from the upper deck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and Washington Nationals third baseman Jorbit Vivas (84) chat at second base in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Young fans dance during the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) runs for first as he grounds out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) looks up toward Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) as he is forced out in a double play in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and left fielder Spencer Steer (7) score on a three-run home run by designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) is visited at the mound before being relieved in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitcher Zak Kent (57) throws a pitch in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after finishing his outing in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) runs for first as he grounds out in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) catches a line drive off the bat of Jorbit Vivas in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Blake Dunn (59) attempts to outrun a tag from Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas (14) a dropped third strike in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) returns to the dugout after making substitutions in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) celebrates as he walks for the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Injured Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) watches from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) celebrates a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitching position player Joey Wiemer (21) shakes his head as he gives up a home run to Dane Myers in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera (10) looks on from the dugout stairs in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) and pitcher Connor Phillips (34) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Buckle (zip?) up. The Speedo might be headed to Philadelphia next if this series in Cleveland goes well.
“If you’ve been around this game long enough, there’s things that people will do for a win or a hit in this game,” Napoli said. “I know coming up, you’d try everything. Anything to get a hit or a win, and usually if it works you stick with it until it doesn’t.”
For now, all anyone in the clubhouse knows is they feel the need for Speedo.
“You have to do it. This game is a little-stitious,” said Stephenson, who didn’t seem to foresee this kind of added value when he presented it to the manager.
“It can be used in any way you need to,” he added. “It was just kind of a funny joke for Tito. If it helps us win some games and score some runs, sure.”
And if it does it long enough?
“I need to potentially order some more,” he said. “Didn’t know it was going to turn into this big of a deal.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds coach Mike Napoli committed to Tito Speedo for as long as it works
Q&A
What is the Tito Speedo and why is it significant for the Reds?
The Tito Speedo is a custom-made undergarment gifted to manager Terry Francona, symbolizing team camaraderie and humor.
Who is Mike Napoli and what role does he play for the Reds?
Mike Napoli is the bench coach for the Cincinnati Reds, known for his light-hearted approach and commitment to team morale.
How did the Tito Speedo come to be associated with the Reds?
The Tito Speedo was created as a joke by catcher Tyler Stephenson and has since become a fun tradition among the team's staff.
What did Terry Francona say about the Tito Speedo?
Terry Francona humorously expressed offense when asked about the Tito Speedo, indicating its importance and recognition within the team.