LET’S GO REDS: Clary has been a Cincinnati Reds fan his entire life. He started working as a ticket taker when Riverfront Stadium opened in 1970. “I’m lucky,†he says. “It’s a good way to get in free, work, get paid and also watch the game.†Clary, who became the supervisor of the team’s 125 ticket takers five years ago, has missed only one game over the last 10 years, and that was to attend a funeral.
FAVORITE PLAYERS: All-time hit king Pete Rose, Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench and Cincinnati native Ken Griffey Jr.BEST PART OF THE JOB: “I enjoy meeting people. I’m the type of person who’s happy-go-lucky. I think it’s nice for fans when they come to the ballpark to see a smiling, friendly face.â€
WHY HE DECIDED TO DO IT: “It was a good part-time job and a way to get to see every game I wanted to,†says Clary, who worked in operations at an investment firm until retiring in 1999.
MOST MEMORABLE TEAMS: The Big Red Machine teams of the 1970s and the 1990 team that swept Oakland in the World Series.
HOW HE KEEPS HIS COOL ON HOT DAYS: “I drink Gatorade and lots of water,†he says.
IT’S IN THE FAMILY: Clary’s sons Mike, 44, and Mark, 40, and grandson Blake, 21, also work as ticket takers. “They have to support dad,†he jokes.