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Broxton gives Bailey a saddle for no-hitter

CINCINNATI -- Reds pitcher Homer Bailey has a few mementos from his two no-hitters within 10 months. On Monday, Bailey received one that qualified as out of the ordinary. It was a finely appointed leather saddle, courtesy of reliever and teammate Jonathan Broxton.

Off the field, Bailey likes to ride horses and practice roping, and keeps some equine in nearby Butler County during the season. Embossed on the sides of the saddle are the dates of Bailey's no-no's -- Sept. 28, 2012, (vs. the Pirates) and July 2, 2013 (vs. the Giants).

"I had no idea," Bailey said when asked if Broxton's gift was a surprise. "What's crazy is I just had another one come in. Now I've got three [saddles]."

Broxton was seen in the clubhouse for the first time since having season-ending surgery to repair a flexor mass tendon tear in his right forearm. He was wearing a large brace that covered most of his arm.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
Read More: Cincinnati Reds, Jonathan Broxton, Homer Bailey