Louisville Bats Announce Bobblehead Nights for Francona and Kelsey

The minor league baseball team's 2026 promotions include giveaways for the Reds manager and UofL basketball coach.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, have announced their promotional schedule for the 2026 season, which includes bobblehead giveaways for Reds manager Terry Francona and University of Louisville men's basketball coach Pat Kelsey. The team's president, Greg Galiette, expressed excitement about the bobbleheads, noting Kelsey's passion for the Reds and baseball.

Why it matters

Bobblehead giveaways are a popular promotion for minor league baseball teams, helping to drive fan engagement and attendance. The Bats' decision to feature Francona and Kelsey, two prominent local sports figures, speaks to their efforts to connect with the Louisville community and provide unique experiences for their supporters.

The details

The Bats will give away the Francona bobblehead at a game in late August, allowing fans to see the former Redbirds player-turned-Reds manager. The Kelsey bobblehead will also be distributed at a game, highlighting the UofL coach's self-professed love of the Reds and baseball.

  • The 2026 Louisville Bats season will open on Friday, March 27, at Louisville Slugger Field.
  • The Francona bobblehead giveaway is planned for the end of August 2026.
  • The Kelsey bobblehead giveaway is also scheduled for the 2026 season.

The players

Terry Francona

The current manager of the Cincinnati Reds and a former player for the Louisville Redbirds in 1990.

Pat Kelsey

The head coach of the University of Louisville men's basketball team, who is described as a passionate Reds and baseball fan.

Greg Galiette

The president of the Louisville Bats, who expressed excitement about the bobblehead giveaways and Kelsey's enthusiasm for the Reds.

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What they’re saying

“When I saw the old baseball card of Terry Francona when he played for the (Louisville) Redbirds in 1990, I said we've got to do a bobblehead of this, because it's just screaming bobblehead.”

— Greg Galiette, President, Louisville Bats (wlky.com)

“When we got the renderings back, it really looks good and Tito's really excited about it. He's not as excited as Coach Kelsey is about his bobblehead. I didn't realize how big of a Reds fan and baseball fan Coach PK is, but he is huge, he knows more about the Reds than I think most of our staff does. He really keeps up on it.”

— Greg Galiette, President, Louisville Bats (wlky.com)

What’s next

The Bats will distribute the Francona bobblehead at a game in late August 2026, and the Kelsey bobblehead will also be given away during the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Louisville Bats' decision to feature bobbleheads of two prominent local sports figures, Reds manager Terry Francona and UofL basketball coach Pat Kelsey, demonstrates the team's efforts to engage with the community and provide unique experiences for their fans. These promotions are likely to drive increased attendance and fan enthusiasm for the Bats' 2026 season.