Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson stole the show at the MLB Speedway Classic by taking the field in eye-catching, Ricky Bobby-inspired catcher’s gear, a nod to the Will Ferrell movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The unique look turned heads at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, where baseball and NASCAR collided in front of a roaring crowd of more than 85,000 fans.
Stephenson, known for his quirky flair—like choosing Anchorman’s “Afternoon Delight” as walk-up music—jumped at the chance to blend baseball with his love for comedy. Once the event was announced, he immediately thought of a Ricky Bobby tribute.
“That movie’s a classic, and I thought it was the perfect fit,” Stephenson said before the game.
His custom gear, created by Evoshield, mimicked the iconic No. 26 Wonder Bread car from the film. His chest protector displayed a reimagined “Cincinnati” Wonder Bread logo, red and yellow flame graphics, racing-style number 37, checkered flags, and the nickname “Tyler Robby” stitched below. His mask continued the theme with detailed racing artwork.
Although Stephenson grew up in Georgia and wasn’t a huge NASCAR fan, he was in awe of the Bristol venue’s massive scale. “It’s like playing in front of a football crowd,” he said, comparing the spectacle to an NFL atmosphere.
In 2022, an injury kept him from playing in the Reds’ Field of Dreams game, though he traveled with the team. This time, fully healthy, Stephenson took center stage with his bold look and playful spirit.
He wasn’t alone—Yankees catcher José Trevino added his own movie flair, sporting Cars-inspired cleats modeled after Lightning McQueen. The cleats were autographed by Tim McGraw and Pitbull, who both performed pregame.
Stephenson’s tribute added to the growing trend of players showcasing personality through custom game gear—and he even hinted at wanting Will Ferrell to return after his 2015 Reds spring training cameo.
