CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds joined the other 29 clubs in Major League Baseball to help raise awareness for childhood cancer on Sunday.
Representatives from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, CancerFree Kids and the Dragonfly Foundation participated in pregame ceremonies prior to the Mets-Reds game at Great American Ball Park.
Six kids were invited to run the bases in recognition of being cancer-free or in remission. The Reds' players and coaches, including manager Terry Francona, lined the first-base line, and Mets players and coaches, including manager Carlos Mendoza, lined the third-base line and gave the kids high fives and fist bumps as they rounded the bases.
Levi Nause, an 11-year-old cancer survivor, tossed a ceremonial first pitch.
Relief pitcher Zach Maxwell and outfielder TJ Friedl are among several Reds players who have visited Children’s Hospital to spend time with children battling cancer.
“Those kids that are in such a tough spot, fighting through so much, but they’re still in such high spirits, it’s something you’re happy to see,” Maxwell said. “They love when we come around and interact with them.”
On Sunday, all on-field personnel, including players, managers, coaches and umpires wore gold ribbon decals during games and had the option to wear gold wristbands. Additionally, commemorative base jewels and lineup cards were featured.
It's the 10th consecutive year that MLB has helped raise awareness for childhood cancer in each home ballpark during all games on Sunday, Sept. 7th. Hosted during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this MLB Together effort will support the cause with ceremonial and community-based activities, including outreach to local hospitals treating young patients.
On Sept. 2, Reds catcher Will Banfield joined Maxwell at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where they had the opportunity to meet patients, take photos and sign autographs. And in partnership with Major League Baseball and Starlight Children's Foundation, they donated a Nintendo Switch to Cincinnati Children’s.
“These little 4 and 5-year-old kids that should be outside playing and having fun, but they are battling this terrible disease,” Maxwell said. “They don’t really understand. To see them wake up every day with a smile and have the will to fight through it is so powerful. It’s inspiring to see.”