Opening Day in Cincinnati is more than just the start of a new baseball season. It’s a celebration that has come to be recognized as a city-wide holiday. For some Cincinnatians, Opening Day was even more special this year with a new addition to their family and Reds Country.
To commemorate the start of the 2021 Reds season, the 21 babies born on April 1 and all the mothers being cared for in the maternity, neonatal intensive care, special care nursery and advanced obstetrical care units at TriHealth’s three delivery hospitals received a Reds Rookies swaddle blanket and red knitted cap. In all, over 100 families were gifted the Reds swag on Opening Day. In addition, TriHealth’s hospital suites are equipped with televisions, so families could watch the game with their newest team member.
“What a fun way for our partners at TriHealth to commemorate the babies born on Reds Country’s favorite holiday, Reds Opening Day,” Reds president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini said. “We look forward to welcoming these special members of the Reds Rookies baby club with their families to the ballpark very soon.”
“Providing these swaddle blankets is a fun way to celebrate Opening Day, but more importantly it gives us the opportunity to discuss safe sleep with the new parents,” said Kristin Coppage, MD, the system chief of TriHealth Women’s Services. “Plus, the Reds Rookies program is a great way to introduce the newest fans to one of Cincinnati’s greatest traditions!”
As part of TriHealth’s long-standing partnership with the Cincinnati Reds, TriHealth is proud to offer membership to the Reds Rookies program to all new moms and babies born at TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital, TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital and McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital. Maternity patients receive a Reds Rookies Membership Activation packet during their stay, which typically includes free tickets, special player and ballpark experiences and exclusive discounts on Reds merchandise.
Big Reds fans Jessica Hoffman and her husband welcomed baby Leo on Opening Day. The Hoffmans are enrolling Leo in Reds Rookies, watched some of the game from their hospital suite and are already looking forward to their son’s first trip to Great American Ball Park.
“We absolutely loved the gift of a blanket and hat, and we can’t wait to get Leo to an actual game!” she said.
TriHealth and the Cincinnati Reds have been preparing for fans to safely return to Great American Ball Park with enhanced safety guidelines, including social distancing, mask requirements, increased sanitation practices and more. Great American Ball Park has been designated a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, the gold standard of prepared facilities. By following current CDC protocols and working with government officials, the Cincinnati Reds and TriHealth are excited for the return of fans to the ballpark.