June 3, 2000, Sparky Anderson & Dave Concepcion were inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame. “Twenty-five years ago, I knew how great they were,” said Anderson, who also won a World Series in Detroit. “But I realize now the greatest bunch of people I have ever seen in any professional sport was the 1975-76 Reds because they were so professional and knew how to go, about winning and knew how to act.” Anderson threw a ceremonial first pitch to Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, a lob that made it on the fly. Concepcion, who perfected the bounce throw to first base on artificial turf, then purposely skipped his first pitch to Bench on one hop.