Kids take center stage as Reds celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

The Reds celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with activities Thursday through Sunday, highlighted by their annual Fiesta Rojos on Friday.

Fiesta Rojos began with more than 100 students from the Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies (AMIS), Roberts Academy and the Academy of World Languages visiting the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy. Local Latin radio station La Mega provided the soundtrack throughout the event, which featured a special visit from players Miguel Andujar, Elly De La Cruz, Santiago Espinal and Noelvi Marte.

The players participated in a Q&A facilitated by Reds assistant athletic trainer Tomás Vera. Any and all topics were on the table, and the questions reflected as such. The inquiries ranged from what country the players were from and who inspired them to play baseball to who their favorite soccer team and player was.

Espinal attended Fiesta Rojos at the Reds Youth Academy in 2024 during his first season with the club, and he eagerly returned this time. He enjoys interacting with the kids and answering their questions, even if they are about soccer, which he admits he doesn’t know anything about. (Espinal defaulted to saying “[Lionel] Messi” for all of his answers, a savvy move by the veteran.)

“It’s important just to give back. It’s good for the kids to have an understanding of what we do so we can make sure they understand that nothing is impossible, and they can make their dream come true,” Espinal said. “For us to be here and to share this moment with them, it also makes us happy. We are on the field 24/7, so to step away and come over here to spend time with the kids, it's a good time.”

After the Q&A and a group photo, the students broke off into stations to work on their hitting, pitching, fielding, throwing and even some salsa dancing before having lunch.

One of the students in attendance was 9-year-old Jhoan Jerónimo. The fourth grader is visually impaired, but nothing stopped him from having just as much fun as the rest of his classmates and the other children. Jhoan was able to participate in all the activities, most notably showing a proficiency with the bat.

Marte took a break from his usual outfield duties to serve as the pitcher on this day, and Jhoan was escorted to the plate. With some assistance from the Reds’ two-time All-Star De La Cruz, Jhoan went 6-for-6, and his fellow classmates erupted with cheers and applause after every hit. The only thing bigger than the smiles on the Reds players’ faces was the one on Jhoan’s.

Jhoan said he was having the best day, and when asked if hitting with De La Cruz was his favorite part of the day, he responded, “Yes! One more, or no?” The rising star was already thinking about stepping back into the batter’s box for some more swings.

De La Cruz and the other Reds players all caught up with Jhoan to talk and pose for photos before heading back to the ballpark to prepare for that night’s game.

“This is what it's all about,” Espinal said. “Just to bring a smile to a kid, to be able to spend time with him and actually see him happy, it’s amazing. And the most important part of it for me was that he was smiling throughout the whole event. That’s something you can take for granted until you see that. And I take that as motivation to keep doing this stuff for kids and for other people in the community.”

That evening, the Fiesta Rojos festivities continued with the Reds’ annual Hispanic Community Night at Great American Ball Bark, which was presented by Toyota. Activities included a DJ from La Mega outside the ballpark on Crosley Terrace, live music in the First Star Fan Zone, pregame ceremonies and in-game activation.

Many of the ceremonies featured members of Cincinnati’s Hispanic community, including the national anthem singer, game ball delivery participant and honorary captain. First Class Petty Officer Gilberto Esparza of the United States Navy was honored as the game’s altafiber Hometown Hero.

Also pregame, current Reds players and coaches of Hispanic descent received certificates of recognition from the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs for the State of Ohio. In addition, the Reds welcomed AMIS students as part of the organization’s annual “Parade of Colors” presentation of the flags, which represent the 22 countries in Europe, the Caribbean and North, Central and South America that are celebrated each year during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Prior to Thursday’s game, Reds pitcher Brent Suter was recognized on the field for the second consecutive season as the team’s nominee for Major League Baseball’s annual Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One. The Clemente Award is given annually to a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. The team was out of town during MLB’s annual Clemente Day, which took place in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month beginning on Sept. 15, so the Reds kicked off the homestand with the award presentation.

On Sunday, a ceremony presenting Jon and Dr. Anya Sanchez of Lebanon, Ohio, with the Hispanic & Latino Community Advocate Award presented by PNC wrapped up the weekend’s Hispanic Heritage celebration.

Jon, a retired Navy SEAL, and Anya are deeply involved in Cincinnati’s nonprofit community, including their work with The Joseph House, which exclusively serves Greater Cincinnati’s veteran community. The Joseph House received a $30,000 Major League Baseball Military Grant, awarded on behalf of the Reds.