Reds fan wins Toyota Tundra after close Jesse Winker home run
Sarah Brookbank
No one has ever hit the promotional Toyota sign in Great American Ball Park, but a Reds fan still will be driving a shiny new Tundra this weekend.
During the Reds game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, those in charge of the promotion decided a home run ball came close enough.
Reds outfielder Jesse Winker's home run and the ball came within a mere three inches of the sign.
"The Toyota Dealers acted quickly and determined that for this occasion, one time only, close is good enough," the Reds said in a statement.
The promotion from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Toyota Dealers is this – if a Reds player hits the Toyota sign stretched between the outfield PNC Power Stacks, a contestant wins the Tundra.
The sign is 430 feet away and no Reds player has hit the sign in 11 years. Don't worry, the truck hasn't just been sitting there. The Toyota dealers have given it to fans or charity anyway previously.
More: Reds fan finally wins new Toyota Tundra
The Toyota dealers voted to give the Tundra to contestant Jamie Wemken of Independence. Dealers include Kings Toyota, Joseph Toyota, Beechmont Toyota, Performance Toyota, Kerry Toyota and Dry Ridge Toyota.
Toyota will present Wemken with the keys to his new truck at an upcoming Reds game.