Knothole/Youth Baseball Funding

Revitalizing Baseball in Inner Cities
The Reds Community Fund partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati to bring back Major League Baseball's "Reviving Baseball in the Inner-City" (RBI) to Cincinnati. Two leagues were comprised and over $20,000 dollars spent to pull off a successful re-launch in Cincinnati.

The spring league consisted of six Cincinnati Pubic schools that included a ten game schedule, and a season ending tournament. The winner of the tournament was Dator Montessori and they were invited to enjoy a Reds game in a suite compliments of the Cincinnati Reds and Sportservice.

The summer league consisted of local inner-city Knothole players which included two divisions: three junior teams and two senior teams that participated in a ten game schedule. Two all-star teams were formed, one from each of the junior and senior divisions, and they competed in a year-end regional tournament in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 13-15, 2007.

Both groups gained valuable, inter-city baseball experience as they competed with the best RBI teams from throughout the mid-east region. Coaches and administrators reported an impressive showing that has created excitement for next year.

Match Program
The "Match" program is designed to bring youth baseball teams from the suburbs and the inner city together in the spirit of diversity, interaction and friendly competition. This year's matches featured Anderson Township Little League with the Madisonville Braves organization; Wyoming Knothole and Bond Hill's "Little Red Machine;" as well as our charter participants from the Loveland/Cincinnati Stix and Evanston's "Six Men Tigers."

Each Match participated in home and home series where teams blended and played a friendly competitive game which concluded with a barbeque social with kids and their families. All teams were invited to Great American Ball Park to experience an on field moment as they marched by home plate and their favorite Reds players. The program will culminated in a field trip to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and a showcase Wiffle Ball game at this year's Redsfest, the club's annual winter fan festival.

Youth Baseball Funding
The Youth Baseball Funding just completed its third year, this initiative is a funding mechanism for inner-city youth baseball (Knothole) and softball organizations. The program was inspired by local coaches, who single-handedly keep baseball alive in urban neighborhoods while striving to be positive role models.

The Reds Community Fund began this outreach operation in 2005 by funding five Knothole baseball organizations. In 2006, the initiative grew to support 12 organizations, with a budget of more than $100,000. This year the Reds Community Fund will expand its influence once again as it will reach more than 144 teams while spending close to $250,000 dollars.

In order to qualify and remain eligible for the program, each organization must have a minimum of three teams and participate in a number of community-based activities. Teams may use funds for uniforms, equipment, league fees, tournament fees and trophies.

For more information regarding the Youth Baseball Funding Program, please contact Adam Shaffer at (513) 765-7020 or ashaffer@reds.com.

Reds Community Fund Grant Information
Since its inception in 2001 the Reds Community Fund has used baseball as a vehicle to reach out to kids. As the nonprofit arm of baseball's first professional team, the Community Fund strives to create programming that connects children with baseball, while creating fundraising programs that connect baseball with the community.

As part of its baseball-themed outreach, the Reds Community Fund offers field renovation and youth baseball funding grants. In order to be eligible for funding your organization must meet the following criteria:

• Operate in "Reds Country"
• Serve the community by affording youth the opportunity to play baseball or softball
• Must be able to show proof of financial need
• 70% of operating budget must be allocated towards programming

The Reds Community Fund grant cycle adheres to the following timeline:

• Field renovation applications are due on or before March 1, 2008
• Youth baseball funding applications are due on or before January 1, 2008

All applications will be reviewed monthly. At that time, your organization will be notified of your initial status. Incomplete applications will be returned. If your application is approved for further evaluation, you will be contacted by a Reds Community Fund representative to schedule an informational meeting.

Please submit all applications to:

For more information, please contact Matt Crawford at 513-765-7042 or mcrawford@reds.com.