Reds Rookie Success League in Louisville introduces youths to the game of baseball

On Monday, June 23, Louisville Bats players Michael Griffin, Adam Pettyjohn and Josh Roenicke visited the Reds Rookie Success League at Wyandotte Park in Louisville, KY.

  Approximately 400 Louisville-area children ages 6-12 are getting a first-hand introduction to the game of baseball this summer through the Reds Rookie Success League, which is a free, noncompetitive, coed, character-building program. The league, in its inaugural season in the Louisville area, is one portion of a significant investment made by the Reds and the Reds Community Fund in the city of Louisville.

The Reds Community Fund donated money to renovate the baseball diamonds at Wyandotte Park, where the Reds Rookie Success League is held. The renovation to the ballfields and the new youth league represent a two-year, $150,000 investment by the Reds, whose Triple-A affiliate, the Bats, is located in Louisville.

The league that is currently practicing and playing games at Wyandotte Park is made up of Metro Parks summer campers, and is the first Rookie Success League outside of the state of Ohio.

"We would like to thank the Cincinnati Reds for their outstanding contributions to our children and the City of Louisville," Metro Parks Director Mike Heitz said. "They are a terrific partner and we appreciate the improvements they have made in our community."

In addition to teaching campers fundamental skills and lessons about the game of baseball, a component of the Rookie Success League emphasizes character-building under the "CI REDS" acronym - Cooperation, Integrity, Respect, Determination and Spirit. Children also receive an initial health screening as well as dental and vision exams. Following completion of the league, a celebration for campers takes place at Great American Ball Park later in the summer, where children are treated to a free game and a meal.

"The children have really enjoyed the Rookie Success League, and we hope to continue this important partnership with the Reds," Heitz said. "The kids have really responded to the positive opportunities the league has presented them."