By Bill Koch
Enquirer staff writer

Sean Casey is well aware of the image that professional athletes have. "The image is that they're selfish and whiny and they make all this money," said the Reds first baseman.

Casey shatters the stereotype by going out of his way to donate his time and money to help others.

GOOD SPORTS

• Making a difference • Cris Collinsworth • Danny Graves • Bob Huggins • Marvin Lewis • Anthony Muñoz • Tim Naehring • Doug Pelfrey • Sean Casey • Willie Anderson

"Sean is the No. 1 go-to guy on our team," said Lorrie Platt, the Reds' community-relations director.

"He quietly makes the rounds, on his own, to Children's Hospital or the Shriners Hospital for Children when he has heard about a child who has fallen ill. He is the ringleader of the 'good guys' in the clubhouse, often corralling rookies into joining him for a hospital trip."

Casey and his wife, Mandi, are active in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

In addition to Casey serving as a spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, the couple have a five-year relationship with their own Little Brother and have donated $50,000 to the organization.

They've donated $50,000 to the Garth Brooks Foundation - Teammates for Kids and $50,000 to Lighthouse Youth Services.

His most recent project is the Joe Nuxhall Character Program in conjunction with the Reds' long-time broadcaster.

Besides serving with Nuxhall as the program's spokesman, he's having baseball cards made that feature his image and a different character trait on the back, and plans to speak to youth groups about character.

"You have to realize that it's not just about you," Casey said.

"This world is about seeing what's going on out there and seeing what people need."

Casey has initiated a ticket program called "Casey's Crew" that allows 24 underprivileged children to attend Great American Ball Park during every Saturday home game.

Catcher Jason LaRue and bullpen coach Tom Hume have a similar program for members of the Hamilton County 4-H Club.

Hume also donates $50 to the Shriners Hospital for Children for each bullpen save.

He has donated $13,600 over the last four years and frequently secures players to make visits to the hospital.

"We're so scrutinized as far as being prima-donna athletes and overpaid and things like that," Casey said.

"Sometimes there's just a negative spin on what a professional athlete is. Who wants to write about people that do good? That doesn't sell papers.

"It gets overlooked sometimes, but there are a lot of athletes out there with good hearts."