Beloved Reds backup makes heartfelt return with chance to shape team’s future

Cincinnati Reds catcher Curt Casali | Jess Rapfogel/GettyImagesFormer Cincinnati Reds catcher Curt Casali quietly retired this past season without much fanfare. After 11 years in the major leagues, the veteran backstop finally decided to hang up his cleats and move into a new role — the Reds front office.

Casali signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves this past spring, but didn't make the final cut and was released on March 17. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Casali accepted a job with the Reds front office shortly after his release.

Casali's role with the Reds hasn't been reported, though other former players — Barry Larkin and Eric Davis among them —…