By Goody Tate

Players to Utilize Customized Cleats and Bats to Showcase Off-the-Field Stories and Personal Journeys Throughout the Weekend

(Aug. 16, 2024) — This weekend when the Reds host the Kansas City Royals at Great American Ball Park, the players will showcase the people and pursuits that make them who they are during 2024 MLB Players’ Weekend, Aug. 16-18.

Throughout the weekend, players will have the platform to celebrate their interests, backstories, causes and people that are important to them.

Different aspects of the players’ lives will be highlighted each day through game presentation elements at the ballpark, broadcast features with media partners, social media content and more.

•  Friday – Fun: Highlighting the fun aspects of players’ personalities, friendships, and hobbies.
•  Saturday – Causes: The focus turns to causes, charities and community initiatives that are important to players.
•  Sunday – Appreciation: Players get to show their appreciation and celebrate the people who helped them on their road to the Major Leagues.

Reds players to wear custom cleats painted by kids at Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Reds players will wear custom cleats during Players’ Weekend, including designs painted by patients and families from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The idea originated from Reds outfielder TJ Friedl, who frequently visits the hospital during the season.

“Having Players’ Weekend back is something special and when I was told we could customize cleats, I asked if there was a way to send some white cleats to Children’s Hospital and have them decorated,” said Friedl. “Ever since I’ve been with the Reds, coming to Children’s is something special for me so whenever I can I try to make an effort to come and just visit with the kids.”

This weekend is also Cincinnati Children’s Weekend at Great American Ball Park, and the Reds are proud to welcome over 25,000 employees and their families at the games. Many of the pregame ceremonies will feature and honor representatives from the hospital.

In addition to the cleats and bats, players will wear special New Era caps featuring their uniform number on the side panel in a new design in-game.

The cleats will be auctioned at www.reds.com/auctions once Players’ Weekend concludes, benefiting Cincinnati Children’s.

COURTESY REDS MEDIA RELATIONS