The Cincinnati Reds and Reds Community Fund will dedicate a renovated ball field on Cincinnati's west side in honor of long-time clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe.
The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Bernie Stowe Field will take place on Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. at Gilday Riverside Park, 3540 Southside Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Located in the Riverside neighborhood, the field has received significant upgrades and additions including new dugouts, scoreboard, bleacher awnings, fencing and a concession building.
The three-field Cincinnati Recreation Commission complex is home to the St. William Athletic Association and Holy Family Catholic School, where Bernie attended elementary school.
Project partners include the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, William Lang and Sons, EADS Fence Co. and the Rosie Reds organization.
In 1947, Bernie began his 67-year tenure working in the Reds clubhouse at Crosley Field as a 12-year-old. He was a ball boy during the 1953 All-Star Game and worked his way up to the club's senior clubhouse and equipment manager before retiring in 2013. In 2008, Bernie received the Reds Hall of Fame's Powell Crosley Jr. Award, recognizing Reds staff members for their extraordinary service and dedication. Bernie passed away in 2016 at the age of 80.
Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman will emcee the ceremony and scheduled to speak are:
• Rick Stowe, Reds Vice President of Home Clubhouse Operations
• Joe Morgan, Hall of Famer and Senior Advisor to Baseball Operations
• John Cranley, Mayor of Cincinnati
• Phil Castellini, Reds President and COO
• Dale Silver, Rosie Reds President 
Games featuring local teams will take place on the field immediately following the ceremony. 
The field dedication ceremonies will be a part of Reds PLAY BALL Weekend, May 18-20. PLAY BALL is a Major League Baseball initiative that celebrates youth baseball and softball in all its forms to inspire play and engage young fans. 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. 
Mayor Cranley, in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has pledged continued support of PLAY BALL and the "PLAY BALL SUMMER" initiative. During the summer of 2018, mayors from across the U.S. will be implementing the PLAY BALL initiative throughout cities with the goal of strengthening the connection of communities with the National Pastime. 
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; and health and safety information, including the Pitch Smart initiative.