Why do Cincinnati Reds players wear a Viking helmet? Here's the celebration's backstory
The Cincinnati Reds keep on winning, and fans are seeing more and more of the team's celebratory Viking helmet.
The Reds' tradition is new this season. Players are draped in a special cape and Viking-style hat after hitting a home run.
So, how did the idea start? Here's what to know about the Reds' new celebration.
Why do Cincinnati Reds players wear a Viking helmet after home runs?
The idea for the Reds' Viking helmet came about during 2023 spring training. Former Reds pitcher Luis Cessa wanted to get Jake Fraley a Viking helmet, because he thought the outfielder resembled a Viking, and then realized the hat could be a fun prop for the whole team.
Cessa approached infielder Jonathan India with the idea, who loved it. Now, India crowns players with a plastic, horned helmet and cape after they hit a home run.
“That’s how we are, we’re a fun team,” India told The Enquirer in April. “You’ve got to enjoy this game every moment because this game is hard. You got to have fun at any moment in time. On home runs, that’s what we’re doing. Viking helmet and cape. Let’s make it loose and have some fun.”
Charlie Goldsmith contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why do Cincinnati Reds players wear a Viking helmet? The backstory
