The last time the Red Sox and Reds faced off on the Cincinnati diamond was over 30 years ago-- and since certain of us weren't even alive then, not everyone may be familiar with the Reds. So here's a few reasons why you should be psyched for their interleague matchup this weekend.

1. Kevin Youkilis and Justin Masterson
Hometown boys Youkilis and Masterson will each be making their first appearance at Great American Ball Park, battling it out against the team they used to love as kids. Kevin grew up in Cincinnati, and played ball at the U of Cincinnati before embarking on his major league career... and his parents rented out the ballpark's Riverboat deck (seats 140!) for Saturday's game to celebrate his homecoming. Justin was born in Jamaica, but spent his formative years in Ohio - and graduated from local Beavercreek High (and his parents still live in the area).

"I just hope he pitches well," said Mark [Masterson, Justin's father], the pastor of the Creekside Community Church in Beavercreek.

Anything else he'd like to see?

"Well, it'd be fun if he struck out Ken Griffey Jr.," Mark said with smile.

2. Bronson Arroyo
The former Sox hurler bides his time pitching for the Reds - that is, when he's not grooming his long luscious locks... or singing serenades to the city of Boston. Alas, he's not slated to pitch against the Sox- but you can bet he (and his blonde mane) will be hanging out of the dugout looking wistfully at the Sox bench.

3. Awesome Names
Homer Bailey. Seriously, how awesome is that? A pitcher named "Homer". OK, his given name is "David" -- but that's just not as fun. Even better.. Dick Pole. Come ON. He wins the name game, hands down.

4. Sean Casey
Pittsburgh boy Sean Casey may have grown up loving the Buccos, but he spent the majority of his career in a Reds uni - from 1998 to 2005. This won't be his first time back to GABP playing for the opposing team (he played there as a Pirate in 2006), but Sean is still so beloved in the city that any trip is a fun one for him. Terry Francona is honoring Casey's history with the Reds, and giving him the starting nod at first base tonight.

But what do the Reds think about him? Let's ask Reds' manager Dusty Baker (retch) - and see how many times he can use Sean's nickname in just a few sentences.

"I love The Mayor (Casey)," said Baker. "The Mayor will get a big welcome here, won't he? When I first met The Mayor it was in the (Arizona) Fall League playing for the Sarge's (Gary Matthews) team and he said, 'Watch this kid, he is going to be a good hitter.' The Mayor was all giggles and smiles even then."

5. Dusty Baker
Watch out for base-clogging! Horrific managing decisions (Corey Patterson as leadoff batter?!?!) are sure to be on display. For more (much, much more) on the horror that is Dusty Baker, please see the authority on the subject.

6. 1975
This will be the number one story ESPN, FOX and the rest of their buddies bludgeon into our heads this weekend -- and with good reason. The Sox-Reds 1975 World Series matchup was one of legend, one full of characters: Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Ken Griffey Sr., Joe Morgan (VOMIT), Dave Concepcion, Fred Lynn, Luis Tiant, Cecil Cooper, Bill Lee, Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski, Dick Pole (!), and, of course... Carlton Fisk.

Here's video of that monster Fisk homerun from Game 6 of the Series, too:

Maybe this Series will bring the Sox some sweet justice for the loss back then in 1975... or at least satisfaction that they simultaneously caused pain to both Dusty Baker AND Joe Morgan at the same time.