The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are headed to Bristol Motor Speedway in August for a matchup at The Last Great Colosseum in Bristol, Tenn. in the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic. Before the game which will take place in the infield of the track, Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson made sure he had some special gear made to prepare himself for the festivities.
For the unique contest, he'll have on fully custom catcher's gear inspired by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's classic comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Stephenson will basically be dressed as Ricky Bobby behind the plate, complete with a Mr. Red remix of the Wonder Bread logo, plus the classic line "if you aint first, you're last" across the back strap of his chest protector.
Check out the awesome gear below, posted by Reds broadcaster Jim Day:
One of the best things I’ve seen in awhile. Check out Tyler Stephenson’s gear for the Speedway Classic as he goes full Ricky Bobby and Talladega Nights. Shake and Bake!@EvoShield #Reds #MLB #ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/x4vB8AWCeF
— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) July 6, 2025
Now we just need the Braves to get some custom Cal Naughton Jr. gear to be worn by their starting catcher for a true "shake and bake" duo.
Per the MLB, the game between the Reds and Braves in Bristol will be the first regular season Major League game played in the state of Tennessee. It's also the first MLB game played on a race track. Stephenson will certainly dress the part for the occasion.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Got 'Talladega Nights'-Inspired Gear for Speedway Classic.