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
In recognition of Mother’s Day, MLB partners with organizations that raise Breast Cancer Awareness and early detection and to raise funds to support research. Players wear pink ribbons, wristbands, shoes and used pink bats in honor of breast cancer awareness.
The Reds partnered with Pink Ribbon Good to raise awareness through pregame activations on May 22, when the team returned to Cincinnati.
Lou Gehrig Day
JUNE 2024
Since 2021, Major League Baseball has recognized June 2 as Lou Gehrig Day. The Yankees legend joined Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente as the only players whose legacies are celebrated annually. Gehrig’s name has become synonymous with the disease that tragically cut his life short: ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
The Reds were on the road June 2 of this season, so they teamed up with local groups to raise awareness and funds for ALS through a variety of pregame and in-game activation on Sunday, June 9 against the Chicago Cubs. Prior to the singing of the National Anthem, we paused for a Moment of Remembrance in honor of Adam Wilson, who was instrumental in encouraging MLB to recognize Gehrig. In addition, this year’s Reds nominee, Hunter Greene, was a finalist for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and recognized for his work in the community.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
JUNE 2024
Major League Baseball, the Reds and the Prostate Cancer Foundation teamed up to support the “Keep Dad in the Game” initiative. During the Father’s Day games, 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.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
On Sunday, September 1st, 2024, 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. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Dragonfly Foundation, and CancerFree KIDS participated in pregame ceremonies to raise awareness.
Roberto Clemente Day
SEPTEMBER 2024
The Reds celebrated MLB’s Roberto Clemente Day which honors the legacy of the Hall of Famer and his humanitarian efforts. Reds nominee Brent Suter was presented with the award and a $7,500 donation to the charity of his choice, the Sam Hubbard Foundation.