HAMILTON — Joe Nuxhall thought he had been invited to the Hamilton City Council meeting Wednesday night to present an honor.

        City Council threw a curve ball at the Old Left-hander and honored him instead.

        Councilman Richard Holzberger, a good friend of Mr. Nuxhall, surprised him by reading a mayor's proclamation praising the Hamilton native for his major league pitching exploits, his long radio broadcasting career for the Reds and for his extensive work for local charities.

        Mayor Donald Ryan then presented him with a key to the city.

        Mr. Nuxhall, who acquired the nickname “Hamilton Joe” when he was a player, became teary-eyed during the proclamation.

        “This is very special to me,” he said after he regained his composure. “This is a great night for me.”

        Mr. Holzberger said City Council wanted to show its appreciation for all Mr. Nuxhall has given Hamilton over the years.

        “Joe boasts and talks Hamilton wherever he goes,” he said. “He's our foremost ambassador.”

        Bill Wilks, who played basketball and football with Mr. Nuxhall at Wilson Junior High School and Hamilton High School, said Mr. Nuxhall gives generously of his time to numerous community organizations and charities.

        “If anybody asks him to do something, he does it,” Mr. Wilks said.

        Mr. Nuxhall, who has lived in Fairfield for many years, said he became emotional during the ceremony because he wasn't prepared for the accolades.

        “They tricked me,” he said with a laugh. “I said to my wife as we were coming here, "Who's this kid I'm supposed to help honor?' She said she didn't know. Then I got up here and found out I'm the kid.”

        Mr. Nuxhall, who suffered a mild heart attack on Dec. 17, said he plans to go to Florida on Saturday for the Reds spring training.

        He said he is watching his diet, avoiding cigarettes and exercising.

        “I've lost 15 pounds from exercising already,” he said. “I feel fine. I feel very fortunate.”

        After the ceremony, Mr. Nuxhall confessed that he had never been to a Hamilton City Council meeting.

        “Maybe I'll stay awhile and learn something,” he said.

        He did.

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