On Tuesday, the Reds Community Fund hosted its fourth annual Signing Day event, presented by Ohio’s 529 Plan CollegeAdvantage, for high school seniors. This one was unique in that it took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ceremony honored 16 local high school baseball and softball players who have trained at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy and played for the Reds RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) baseball and softball teams. Fourteen of the 16 seniors attended the virtual ceremony.

With broadcaster Jim Day assuming the role of emcee, Reds president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini, president of baseball operations Dick Williams, Reds Community Fund executive director Charley Frank and Ohio’s 529 Plan CollegeAdvantage executive director Tim Gorrell also joined to recognize the signees.

In addition, Reds infielder and Stanford University graduate Alex Blandino appeared as a special guest to share his congratulations and words of wisdom for the future collegiate athletes.

“I’m excited for all of you because I know this time coming up in your life is going to be memorable for each and every one of you in so many ways,” Blandino said. “I think it’s really important for you to meet as many people as you can when you’re at school. You’re going to be immersed into a new environment of people that will have such incredible skills all around you, from your professors to your coaches, to your fellow players and fellow students.

“Enjoy it, stay focused, have your priorities in line. Know what you’re there for.”

Before the players officially signed, Day announced the winner of the sixth annual Reds Youth Academy Member of the Year Award, an honor reserved for a person who most embodies the mission and the heart and soul of what the Academy stands for. This year’s winner was Princeton High School's Imani Reed, a leader on and off the field with the RBI softball program. A plaque bearing Reed’s name will forever be enshrined on the Matteucci Family Player Progress Wall in the lobby of the Academy.

"I'm feeling surprised, it was not expected," Reed said upon hearing the news. "[The Academy] helped me be who I am today, and I'm just grateful to have it. It's a part of me. I've learned to know my worth and be competitive even when the competition is not at your level."

As excited as Reed was, her mother may have been the most happy about the news -- Reed confirmed her mom was off camera screaming with joy when her name was called.

After the award was announced, it was time for the big moment. All at once, they signed their letters of intent to play softball or baseball at the collegiate level. Day followed up by asking the 14 participants a couple questions about their Academy experience and what their futures hold.

Softball
Emma Pennisi -- Ohio Wesleyan University (Mount Notre Dame)
Imani Reed -- Kentucky State University (Princeton)
Camryn Sillies -- Mount St. Joseph University (Mercy McAuley)
Kayari Suganuma -- Hillsdale College (Notre Dame Academy)

Baseball
Ryan Atkins -- University of Northwestern Ohio (Gilbert A. Dater)
Gavin Bangert -- Ohio Christian University (Miami Valley Christian Academy)
Alvin Bowers -- West Virginia State University (Gamble Montessori)
Jeffrey Butler -- Clark State Community College (Taylor)
Wyatt Cooper -- Campbellsville University (Robertson County)
Eddie Davis -- University of Mount Union (Elder)
Dillon Fischer -- Earlham College (Roger Bacon)
Evan Griswold -- Earlham College (Miami Valley Christian Academy)
Brynmore Langley -- College of Wooster (St. Xavier)
Josh Martini -- Brescia University (Elder)

While the event’s execution was unprecedented, the meaning and importance of the evening remained the same. After their hard work on and off the field and outstanding contributions to the Academy over the years, the student athletes had the chance to enjoy their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

These exemplary student-athletes are exactly the kind of individuals Phil Castellini wanted to see develop through the program after the Castellini ownership group bought the team nearly 15 years ago and committed to building a stronger relationship between the team and community.

“Our focus years ago was to re-emphasize the business plan of creating what we call Major League citizens,” Castellini told the honorees. “And every one of you represent that. You are taking the sport to the next level in your respective classes. Ultimately, it’s the leadership, teamwork, focus on academics and focus on being a better person, teammate, brother or sister, son or daughter. It’s all those things that we are instilling into the kids that come through. And you all represent the cream of the crop, taking advantage of all the opportunities the Community Fund has to offer, and we could not be more proud as an organization to watch you all take that next step.”