Reds rookie Greene hosts cleat giveaway for local kids

This week, Reds pitcher Hunter Greene gifted new Nike cleats to more than 100 student-athletes from the Reds RBI and Jr. RBI programs.

The Reds rookie pitcher and his family have hosted similar events in other markets, though this was the largest to date. Greene took the time to meet with the young athletes and their families prior to Tuesday's Reds-Phillies game at Great American Ball Park.

Before the cleats were distributed, Greene took some time to address the baseball and softball players and their families.

“The main reason why I wanted to do this and I love cleat giveaways is I understand how expensive the game of baseball is -- bats, cleats, gloves -- it’s probably the most expensive sport of all the sports out there,” Greene said. “To be able to close that financial gap for families, provide the best of the best for the kids and make you all feel special is really important to me.”

The No. 2 overall Draft pick in 2017, who made his Major League debut in April, was born and raised in Los Angeles, home to the original MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton. Greene has been a member of the Academy since he was 7 years old.

Having directly experienced the benefits of the Academy and knowing how important it can be to kids who love the sport, Greene remains committed to helping others and growing the game. Since joining the Reds organization, he has made a point to involve himself in the community. He brought the camp that he started, Hunter Greene Baseball Fest, to the Reds Youth Academy, and he has participated in other charitable events and giveaways.

“Hunter understands our mission intimately since he’s already lived it,” said Charley Frank, the executive director of the Reds Community Fund. “Growing up at the Urban Academy in Compton and participating in countless MLB programs, he can relate to our student-athletes, coaches and families. His two-day ‘Baseball Fest’ event prior to the pandemic was one of the most remarkable events we’ve hosted. Today’s effort to distribute cleats to many of our RBI baseball and softball standouts is another unique and generous gesture by a remarkably mature and poised young man. We’re grateful to Hunter and his father [Russell] for bringing this idea to us and making the donation possible.”

When the athletes opened their new cleats, the excitement on their faces said it all. It reminded Greene of experiencing similar opportunities as a youngster while pursuing his baseball dream.

“I know that was my favorite when I was growing up playing: getting free gear -- free cleats, bats, gloves, whatever it was,” he said. “It always made me feel special on the field and ready to just have fun and play the game I love to play.”