Join the Reds and Major League Baseball to celebrate youth baseball and softball with PLAY BALL Weekend, May 17-19, 2019.

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. 

This weekend’s activities at Great American Ball Park and around Greater Cincinnati will highlight many of the baseball and softball outreach programs available through the Reds Community Fund. 

Friday, May 17 - Reds vs L.A. Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.

• PLAY BALL Weekend kicks off with a Wiffle ball exhibition game in the Kroger Fan Zone featuring local media celebrities and players from Cincinnati RBI baseball and softball teams. 

Saturday, May 18 - Reds vs L.A. Dodgers, 4:10 p.m.

• The Reds and the Reds Community Fund will surprise local youth baseball and softball teams on Saturday morning with appearances by Reds mascots, the Reds Rally Pack, a current Reds player and more. 

• Reds players will wear special PLAY BALL “Let The Kids Play” T-shirts during batting practice.

Sunday, May 19 - Reds vs L.A. Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.

• Kids 14 and younger attending the game will receive a Joey Votto PLAY BALL arm sleeve presented by Tri-State Chevy Dealers.

• Pregame youth baseball parade around the warning track

• Cap exchange between Reds players and kids on the field

• Youth Fan Cam host for in-game video board features and games

• “Third and Learn” baseball activity in the Kroger Fan Zone during the third inning

Cincinnati’s Mayor John Cranley, in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has pledged continued support of PLAY BALL. From April to September of 2019, with the help of mayors across the country, PLAY BALL events will be held with the goal of energizing communities and generating support and love for baseball and softball.

PLAY BALL events have become signature activities both here in Reds Country and around the country. It’s a great opportunity for players, parents and coaches to learn more about how to get involved in youth programs, while also interacting with the Reds in a fun way. 

Players, parents and coaches can visit PLAYBALL.org to find links to baseball leagues in local communities; coaching drills, practice plans, and video tutorials by Major League players and coaches, along with health and safety information, including the Pitch Smart initiative.