With the Guardians in town for the Ohio Cup series, the families of the Reds and Guardians participated in the second annual charity softball game on Monday in support of Ohio CASA and the Reds Community Fund (RCF).
Hosted at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy in Roselawn, the softball game between the wives, significant others and families of the Reds and Guardians capped this year’s collaboration. Earlier this summer, the Reds Wives hosted a special sale of player autographed items during home games vs. the Mets to help generate funds. Reds fans also had the opportunity to support the cause this season by purchasing or donating a Reds Heads or Reds Rookies Kids Club membership.
Led by Jordyn Pagán, wife of Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagán, and Samantha Kwan, wife of Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, the teams raised more than $32,000 for Ohio CASA, which doubled the amount raised last year. The check presentation for the Reds’ portion of the fundraiser -- more than $15,000 -- will take place with representatives from Ohio CASA during a pregame ceremony on Saturday.
When asked about the teams’ partnerships with Ohio CASA, Jordyn praised not only the organization’s mission, but also the ongoing support it provides to both teams throughout the fundraising process.
“It’s been great, [CASA representatives] have been to games in Cleveland and here," Pagán said. “They do so much for the kids in foster care and the court system, so we’re excited that they get almost $33,000, and they can do a lot with that I hope.”
CASA, also known as the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, serves children in foster care. Through the work of highly trained volunteers, the organization strives to ensure children who have experienced abuse or neglect receive proper representation in the juvenile court system. With 48 local programs across the state, CASA serves more than 9,000 children in Ohio each year.
When asked what drew the wives to CASA’s mission, Samantha Kwan explained that her connection to the organization began long before the first charitable softball game.
“I worked with them in college and then post-grad, so CASA is really near to my heart,” Kwan said. “They do such great things for the Ohio community, so we’re so lucky to have this platform and be able to do good with this.”
The game also raised funds for the RCF, which provides year-round programming for kids across Reds Country and impacts the lives of more than 50,000 players and coaches each year. Many of its programs take place at the Reds Youth Academy.
Charley Frank, the executive director of the Reds Community Fund, welcomed the crowd and spoke about the group's mission.
“We are about baseball, softball, education and community building,” Frank said. “All of that happens right here at the Reds [Youth] Academy.”
Rather than taking the field themselves on Monday morning, a large contingent of Reds players and coaches spent the morning cheering on their wives, alongside their children, with a few even holding homemade signs. Reds players in attendance included JJ Bleday, Blake Dunn, Caleb Ferguson, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, Sam Moll, Dane Myers, Emilio Pagán, Eugenio Suárez and José Trevino. Coaches on hand were Kyle Arnsberg, Will Remillard and Matt Tracy.
Making the day more meaningful, Jordyn spoke about the support from the players and their families that made the game so special for both teams.
“I think it’s more fun for the guys to kind of get to lay back and relax,” Pagán said. “They kind of get to see what their wives do every game, bringing the kids out to a game. Just to have them out here and support us was just incredible.”
After introductions and a ceremonial first pitch thrown by the Ohio CASA team, the game began and it started off strong for the Reds, with three doubles and two runs in the first inning. However, Cleveland rallied quickly, with three home runs giving the Guardians the lead. After seven innings, the Guardians won the Families Softball Ohio Cup by a final score of 16-6.
But this day was about more than the score. The fun morning at the Reds Youth Academy highlighted the impact that can be made when teams come together for a common cause. Thanks to the support of both Reds and Guardians players, their families and fans, this year’s joint fundraiser will help create brighter futures for thousands of children across Ohio.