CINCINNATI — Join the Reds and Major League Baseball to celebrate youth baseball and softball with PLAY BALL weekend, May 18-20.
Weekend activities encouraging young people to play ball will highlight the many youth baseball and softball outreach programs of the Reds and Reds Community Fund.
Fans will notice other PLAY BALL elements throughout some of the Reds vs. Cubs games this weekend, including Reds players and coaches wearing PLAY BALL patches on their uniforms, kids co-hosting the Fan Cam in-game and more.
Friday, May 18 – Reds vs Cubs, 7:10 p.m.
• PLAY BALL Weekend kicks off with a pregame youth clinic from 5:40 to 6:30 p.m. on the Kroger Fan Zone Field at Great American Ball Park featuring Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, sponsored by Nathan’s Famous.
• The first 100 kids at the clinic will receive a PLAY BALL bat and ball set and a Nathan’s Famous backpack.
Saturday, May 19 – Reds vs Cubs, 1:10 p.m. & 7:10 p.m. (doubleheader)
• The Reds and Reds Community Fund will dedicate a newly-renovated baseball field on Cincinnati’s West Side in honor of longtime clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and will include Hall of Famers Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, the Stowe Family and other special guests.
• Three local Little League games will be played on Bernie Stowe Field following the dedication ceremonies.
Sunday, May 20 – Reds vs Cubs, 1:10 p.m.
• Kids 14 and younger attending the game will receive a pair of PLAY BALL wristbands. Additional activities at the game will include a pregame youth baseball parade and cap exchange between Reds players and kids on the field.

• The Reds Community Fund’s “Match” Program will host three youth baseball games in Greater Cincinnati, giving kids from suburban neighborhoods a chance to play against teams from inner-city areas.

MLB launched PLAY BALL in 2015 as the sport’s largest effort to encourage widespread participation in both formal and casual baseball and softball activities.

Cincinnati’s Mayor Cranley, in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has pledged continued support of PLAY BALL and the “PLAY BALL SUMMER” initiative. During the summer of 2018, mayors from across the U.S. will be implementing the PLAY BALL initiative throughout cities with the goal of strengthening the connection of communities with the National Pastime.