Baseball Across the Region, a celebration of All-Star Summer in Cincinnati, will make a stop on Sunday, June 21 at UC Health Stadium and the Florence Freedom as Ken Griffey Sr. helps celebrate Father’s Day at the ballpark.
The Freedom, Greater Cincinnati’s Minor League baseball team, will be taking on the Southern Illinois Miners that night and look forward to welcoming the BATR initiative.
Launched in February, the official baseball of BATR is traveling throughout the region highlighting the treasured neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community attractions across Reds Country to generate excitement and enthusiasm for the 86th MLB All-Star Game on July 14 at Great American Ball Park.
It will find its way into Griffey Sr.’s hand when he throws out the first pitch on Father’s Day at the Freedom.
An on-field picture ceremony with BATR, Griffey Sr. and dads playing catch with their kids will take place shortly before first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Events on Father’s Day kick-off with “Cincinnati’s Baseball Dad” at 4:05pm with a private meet ‘n greet for dads and their kids with Griffey Sr. Meet ‘n greet opportunities are available at FlorenceFreedom.com.
Then at 5:05pm, the gates open to the general public and dads and their kids will be welcomed to the field with an on-field catch session. Those participating are encouraged to take a “selfie” and use #BATR on Twitter and Facebook to share the experience and promote ‘Baseball Across the Region’.
The BATR ball Griffey Sr. will use for the first pitch will end its journey at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, becoming an official part of Reds baseball history.
The ceremony stems from the tradition of the passing of the Olympic Torch in anticipation of the Olympics.
For Father’s Day meet ‘n greets with Griffey Sr, or to secure tickets for Father’s Day, fans should visit FlorenceFreedom.com.
From Florence Freedom/Image via Facebook