The Cincinnati Reds are teaming up with the Lexington Legends and West Virginia Power of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for some fan-friendly events during the 2021 season.
The Reds have worked closely with managing partner & CEO of the Legends and Power Andy Shea since the offseason to plan various activities throughout the summer. In June, two of the bigger events inspired by the partnership will take place in these southern and eastern regions of Reds Country with Reds Hall of Fame weekends established for both Lexington and Charleston.
On Tuesday, the Reds hosted Shea, his family and friends at Great American Ball Park for the Reds vs. Giants game. Shea threw out a pregame ceremonial first pitch and spoke to Bally Sports Ohio’s Jim Day during the game about the anticipation building around the special weekends.
“Over the last offseason, we developed a great relationship and partnership with the Reds,” Shea said. “I became the owner and took over as the CEO of West Virginia, and being able to put those HOF weekend dates on both of our calendars -- I mean it’s going to be so fun.”
On June 5 and 6, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore will hit the road and set up shop at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington for two Legends games, bringing Reds history to life for fans in the Bluegrass State. On June 19 and 20, the Hall of Fame will visit the Mountain State and interact with fans in Charleston during a weekend series for the Power.
At both stops, fans can check out the mobile “Hands on History” exhibit, where they’ll be able to interact with and learn more about Reds history by viewing onsite artifacts and memorabilia. Plus, Reds Hall of Fame staff will be on hand with Reds HOF memberships, Reds memorabilia, giveaways and more.
On Saturday of each weekend, there will be a vintage baseball exhibition played before each game, featuring the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings, with fans able to take photos with Red Stockings players. On June 5 in Lexington, Reds Hall of Famers Ron Oester and Tom Browning will be in attendance. At least one Reds alumnus is scheduled to appear at the June 19 game in Charleston as well.
As Shea can attest, Reds Country is alive and vibrant in both Lexington and Charleston. Anything Reds-related that involves their local team creates a buzz. Lexington recently signed a couple former Reds in Tony Cingrani and Jordan Pacheco. In 2020, former Reds players Brandon Phillips and Ivan DeJesus Jr. spent time playing with the Legends. In fact, Phillips just became a partner of Shea’s, joining the teams’ ownership group.
Now, with the season in full swing and the Hall of Fame weekends approaching, the excitement is ramping up.
“Everyone is so pumped, it’s going to be a blast,” Shea said. “There are a lot of synergies between Lexington and Charleston, one being that it’s all Reds Country. Both cities are very close geographically and we have great people working at both teams. For me personally, I see it as an opportunity to have twice as much fun and reach twice as many current or future baseball fans.”
For details, dates and updated information about Reds events with the Legends and Power, visit lexingtonlegends.com or wvpower.com. Learn more about the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum by visiting RedsMuseum.org.