CINCINNATI — Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari was at Great American Ball Park Tuesday night, cheering on Reds outfielder TJ Friedl — who just so happens to be his cousin.
Calipari posted a photo of himself and others, including members of his coaching staff, at the game on social media. He also shared a photo with Reds president Phil Castellini, who he said has two daughters attending UK.
Let’s go @Reds!! pic.twitter.com/HqayzRrEHN
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 6, 2023
The Hall of Famer said in August he would be at a game in Cincinnati during the first week of September to see Friedl play.
First week of September, I’ll be in Cincinnati to see @TjFriedl1 and our @Reds!! https://t.co/oGSIyHfITQ
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) August 29, 2023
Friedl said Calipari is his second cousin on his dad's side. His father, Calipari, former IU coach Archie Miller and Xavier coach Sean Miller actually all played basketball together in their youth. Friedl also played basketball, but it's pretty obvious baseball is his best sport.
The 28-year-old noted in an MLB Players Association video that he's always known Calipari, but has been able to get closer to him since starting his professional baseball career.
"When I got called up, he would come out to Cincy when my dad would be out there, and then he'd come out and watch the game and I could see him after," Friedl said.
For TJ Friedl, whose second cousin is Hall of Fame basketball coach John Calipari, basketball is in his blood! Hear more from Friedl about growing up in a competitive family.
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) June 3, 2023
(Bonus points if you can name all the players in the #NBAFinals that @UKCoachCalipari coached ⬇️) pic.twitter.com/jXkGTnZnI5
Calipari has previously posted Friedl's successes on his social media pages, and even went to Friedl's games in Triple-A Louisville when he was with the Bats.
While Friedl said Calipari is intense and competitive, he noted that off the court, he's all about family — "someone that's really personable, really likable."
The Reds rallied for the win Tuesday night, getting their 10th walk-off of the season.
