Major League Baseball annually recognizes April 15 as the most significant moment in league history - the day Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. MLB sets this day aside in an effort to highlight the life, values and accomplishments of Jackie Robinson. All players throughout the league wear #42 on this day every year.
MLB Community Initiatives
Welcome to the Cincinnati Reds & MLB Community Initiatives page.
The Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball team up to support a series of community initiatives focused on health and well-being as well as humanitarian causes. These games are a great opportunity to spend time with others who have shared special interests and a way to get access to exclusive promotional items and/or fan experiences.
Jackie Robinson Day
Breast Cancer Awareness
The Reds participate in Major League Baseball's "Go To Bat Against Breast Cancer" initiative as a way to increase awareness and early detection and to raise funds to support research. Each year on Mother's Day, players wear pink ribbons, wristbands, shoes and used pink bats in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Lou Gehrig Day
JUNE 2022
Major League Baseball introduced Lou Gehrig Day this season, as the Yankees legend joined Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente as the only players whose legacies are celebrated annually. Gehrigās name has become synonymous with the disease that tragically cut his life short: ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Pregame ceremonies included a wheelchair donation to Adam Wilson, who was instrumental in encouraging MLB to recognize Gehrig. Wilson, a Mason (OH) native and lifelong Reds fan, was diagnosed with ALS in 2015 at age 32. On the field, ā4-ALSā logos were featured around the ballpark with a ā4ā stenciled on the mound, commemorating Gehrigās uniform number. Players and coaches wore a special āLou Gehrig Dayā patch on their uniforms. Other activations included a Lou Gehrig baseball card giveaway and video vignettes. This yearās Reds nominee, Tucker Barnhart, was a finalist for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for his community work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
JUNE 2022
Major League Baseball, the Reds and the Prostate Cancer Foundation teamed up to support the āKeep Dad in the Gameā initiative. During the Fatherās Day game, players and on-field personnel wore the symbolic blue ribbon on their uniforms along with blue wristbands. Players also wore specially designed New Era caps to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer.
PLAY BALL Weekend
The PLAY BALL initiative is baseball's collective effort to encourage young people and communities to engage in baseball- or softball-related activities.
Pitch Hit & Run
Pitch Hit & Run is Major League Baseball's free skills competition for boys and girls ages 7-14. For each division, the first place all-around champion in pitching, hitting, and running will advance through to the next level, earning opportunities to compete inside Major League ballparks and at the All-Star Game.
Pediatric Cancer Awareness
On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 Major League Baseball stood up for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. All on-field personnel, including players, managers, coaches, and umpires wore gold ribbon decals and wristbands in support.
Roberto Clemente Day
SEPTEMBER 2022
The Reds celebrated MLBās Roberto Clemente Day which honors the legacy of the Hall of Famer and his humanitarian efforts. Reds nominee Joey Votto was presented with the award and a $7,500 donation to the charity of his choice, Freestore Foodbank.