The Cincinnati Reds went into the final day of the regular season in Milwaukee with their playoff hopes dangling by a thread. In classic Reds style, they kept everyone on edge right up to the last out.
Even though they lost to the Brewers, Cincinnati still clinched the last MLB playoff spot because of other results around the league. Their reward? A champagne-soaked party and, oddly enough, a cockroach—somehow the perfect mascot for their stubborn survival all year.
The Birth of the “Cockroach” Mentality
This whole “cockroach” thing started with longtime broadcaster Jeff Brantley. He kept calling the Reds “cockroaches” for their weird knack for dodging elimination, no matter how bad things looked.
That nickname stuck in the clubhouse and turned into a rallying cry as they clawed their way into the postseason.
From Broadcaster’s Remark to Team-Wide Identity
Jordyn Pagán, wife of Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán, really leaned into Brantley’s words. For the final weekend series in Milwaukee, she went all out—showing up to games in a full cockroach costume.
Her playful energy seemed to light a spark in the team. Maybe it even broke the Milwaukee curse, since the Reds finally won a series there for the first time since 2022.
Postseason Hope Fueled by Family Support
Jordyn wasn’t the only one getting creative. Molly Lux, wife of Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux, teamed up with her to spread the “cockroach” idea through the team families.
Together, they took a quirky nickname and turned it into a full-on playoff theme.
Custom Cockroach Merchandise
The families made custom T-shirts with cartoon cockroaches, player numbers, and the phrase: “Can’t kill ’em.” The shirts became a fun symbol of the team’s toughness.
Jordyn said the costume and shirts are already packed for the trip to Los Angeles and the Reds’ first-round playoff series.
Celebrating Survival in Milwaukee
Once the Reds found out they’d snagged the last playoff spot, the locker room exploded. Cheers, beer showers, and cockroach chants filled the air.
Gavin Lux even joined the fun, yelling, “Damn right! Cockroaches!” as champagne and foam went everywhere.
Emilio Pagán’s Words Sum It Up
Pitcher Emilio Pagán nailed the feeling: “You still can’t kill us.” That one line really captured the Reds’ gritty, never-give-up vibe from Opening Day through Game 162.
Why the “Cockroach” Symbol Fits the Reds
The cockroach imagery just works here. Like those bugs, the Reds survived injuries, lineup changes, and a wild National League playoff chase—always hanging on, just barely.
For fans, it’s become a badge of the team’s scrappy energy and their refusal to fold under pressure.
- Resilience: Sticking around even after tough, late-season losses.
- Team Unity: Players and families all buying into the same identity.
- Playful Motivation: Turning a goofy nickname into real playoff fuel.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles
The Reds are heading west, bringing their cockroach mantra and all the themed gear into a high-stakes series against the Dodgers. Will the costume or the chant actually bring luck?
Who knows? But this Cincinnati team seems to thrive on defying expectations, and honestly, that’s half the fun.
The Psychological Edge
In a sport where momentum and morale can tip the scales, the Reds have leaned into their identity as indestructible “cockroaches.” Some opponents might laugh at the nickname, but for Cincinnati, it’s a badge of honor.
This scrappy mindset reminds them that persistence often matters more than perfection, especially in October baseball.
No matter how the postseason shakes out, the Reds have already delivered one of the most unforgettable end-of-season celebrations their fans have seen. Whether they win or lose in Los Angeles almost seems beside the point.
Sometimes, just surviving long enough to join the fight is what counts. And as their motto goes: you can’t kill ’em.
Here is the source article for this story: Cincinnati Reds, Jordyn Pagán take cockroach vibe, T-shirts to LA for playoffs
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