Inaugural Reds Catchers Camp a resounding success

Reds third base/catching coach J.R. House and the Reds Community Fund, along with starting catcher Tyler Stephenson, hosted the first Reds Catchers Camp presented by First Star Logistics at Great American Ball Park on June 3.

More than 100 catchers ages 12-19 received three hours of instruction from House; Stephenson; backup catcher Aramis Garcia; Reds coaches Kyle Arnsberg, Rolando Valles and Cristian Perez; former Red (and current catching coordinator) Corky Miller; and other former players and coaches. Proceeds from the event benefited the Reds Community Fund.

The camp was the brainchild of House, who started planning early in the offseason. He was looking for something to bring to Cincinnati that hadn’t been done before and could inspire athletes at an early age as they pursue their baseball and softball dreams.

“I really didn’t know what I wanted to do growing up until I actually got to go on a big league field, take batting practice and see what that was about. And that’s when I knew,” House said. “If I could have done that earlier in my life, maybe I would have been better, maybe that spark inside me might have grown a little faster. And that’s ultimately what we wanted to do for everyone here.”

The campers were immediately greeted with Nike swag bags featuring a signed Stephenson photo, a camp T-shirt and more. After hearing from House, Reds Community Fund executive director Charley Frank and each of the volunteer coaches, the players took the field to warm up and get into their stations.

From throwing to bases and simulating pick plays and plays at the plate to fielding popups and receiving baseballs from a pitching machine just like the pros, the camp provided high-end training for everything a catcher might face during a game.

“I don’t think you can put a price on this as an experience,” Frank said. “To get to work with Reds players and coaches, participate in drills in the bullpen and at home plate and just be a part of this culture that they’re trying to build, I don’t see how it can do anything but continue to light that flame for the kids that are interested in staying with the game.”

Some of the day’s standouts were awarded prizes at the event’s conclusion, with Carissa Aiello named the camp’s MVP. Stephenson took a photo with Aiello and gifted her with a Reds catching bag filled with gear.

For Aiello and all the other attendees, it was a day they’ll never forget. Stephenson was just happy to be a part of it, and he plans to participate in more baseball-inspired youth initiatives in the future.

“I remember being a young kid at Braves games and guys not signing autographs. I want to go out and sign as many as I can, which is hard -- especially once the games get going and you have to be so many places,” Stephenson said. “But even if I’m not able to do that every day for the kids, I want to still do something to give the opportunity to kids to live their dream and be a Major League Baseball player. I want to do everything I can to help out, and it’s something I want to do more of.”