Reds Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips surprised a gym full of screaming students and teachers on Wednesday, Sept. 17 when he visited St. Therese elementary school in Southgate, Ky.

Fourth grader Anna Schneider knew a Reds player would be visiting her school on Wednesday. Though she was not certain which player it would be, she was hoping it would be Phillips. She even wore her favorite No. 4 Reds shirt.

"I really thought another player would be here today," said Anna. "But just in case it was Brandon, I wore his shirt."

Phillips' visit was a reward for the school winning the "Vote for the Reds" All-Star ballot campaign.

The Reds partnered with 15 Tri-state schools and sent boxes of All-Star ballots to the schools in May. The students were encouraged to vote for their favorite Reds players and compete for prizes such as mascot visits, ticket coupons and the grand prize of a player visit.

St. Therese returned the most with more than 17,000 ballots. The 15 schools combined for a total of more than 124,000 ballots.

Phillips arrived at the school to find the gymnasium bleachers overflowing with almost 400 screaming kindergarten through eighth-grade students, all wearing Reds shirts and jerseys. Most of the teachers were also in Reds regalia.

After greeting the students by running back and fourth through the gym and giving out high-fives with his left hand (his good one), Phillips leaned on the edge of a small desk in the middle of the gym floor and took questions from the kids for almost 45 minutes.

The questions ranged from what he wanted to be if he were not a baseball player (a sports agent), to what cars he drives (a Hummer, a Mustang and a Bentley), to his favorite baseball player when he was a kid (Reds Hall of Famer Barry Larkin.)

But of all the questions asked, what was the most difficult for him to answer?

"The hardest question was probably how many popups I've caught," laughed Phillips. "I tried to estimate about it, but you never really know how many popups you really catch, right?"

Though Phillips' appearance was supposed to be a surprise, fourth grader Brent Mockbee, who also wore his No. 4 Phillips shirt to school today, had a good hunch on which player he would see.

"I knew it would be Brandon today," said Brent. "He helps a lot of kids and has a broken finger."

Sixth-grade teacher Katie Boruske was also very excited that it was Phillips who made the visit to the small Catholic elementary school, less than five miles from Great American Ball Park.

"Phillips is wonderful," said Boruske, who helped coordinate the All-Star ballot campaign for St. Therese. "He's always out in the community doing things with children, and he's an inspiration to the kids."

Despite being out for the remainder of the season due to a broken finger, Phillips didn't think twice about visiting the school.

"I'm not doing much right now, and it's a beautiful thing for me to say hello to the kids," said Phillips. "With my injury, I've been down on myself a little, but just seeing the kids makes me look at life a little different and I know I can still do things in the community when I'm hurt."

Before Phillips could leave the school gym and the students had to get back to their classrooms, the second baseman posed for class photos with each of the grades K-8.

Earlier this month, Phillips was named the Reds' recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy.

He is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community.

Reds Pitcher Josh Fogg finally found a home for the 150,000 pennies he's been keeping in his locker since May.

On Friday, Sept. 5, the Reds right-handed pitcher donated the $1,500 worth of pennies to South Dearborn High School's Dollars for Scholars program. Three students from South Dearborn, which is located in nearby Aurora, Ind., came to Great American Ball Park to pick up the 60 boxes, each holding $25 worth of pennies.

The students posed for photos with Fogg and received a few autographed baseballs.

Fogg became the rightful owner of more than 950 pounds of pennies after Ken Griffey Jr. filled Fogg's locker to the top with the boxes in May. Griffey owed Fogg $1,500, and he promised to pay him in pennies.

What does a Major League pitcher do with all those pennies?

"I've been moving the boxes around my locker for months," said Fogg. "I kept moving them to make room for my baseball stuff."

Then, Fogg received a letter written by Dr. Harley Robinson from the South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars committee.

"About a month ago, I was looking though my mail and opened a few letters asking about donating the pennies," said Fogg. "My wife, being a teacher, looked them over and made a decision to donate the pennies to South Dearborn."

Robinson, an Aurora veterinarian, heard about the pennies and immediately sent a letter to Fogg at the Reds.

"I didn't hear back from Josh for several months, and thought it was a dead deal," said Robinson. "But then Josh's wife called me and said they wanted to donate the pennies to South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars."

The pennies will be used for a new scholarship program called College Makes Cents. The goal is to raise one million pennies to start an endowment for future scholarships for South Dearborn seniors.

"The 150,000 pennies gets us 15 percent to our goal," said Robinson.

United Community Bank in Aurora will be donating an additional $750 to the scholarship program.

"We love to support our community," said Sheree Craig from the Aurora branch of United Community Bank. "And we do whatever we can to help South Dearborn High School."

The Reds Community Fund has announced an online auction to raise money to support its youth baseball outreach programs.

As the nonprofit arm the Reds, the Reds Community Fund strives to create programming that connects at-risk children with baseball, while creating fundraising programs that connect baseball with the community. Whether it's renovating baseball fields, providing opportunities to kids with disabilities, underwriting expenses for inner-city teams or hosting its "Reds Rookie Success League," the Reds Community Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of youth through baseball.

Starting at 12:35 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 6, fans can log on to www.reds.com/auction to bid on and purchase unique and priceless Reds items. Auction ends Sunday, August 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Baseball fans and art collectors will gather at the Cincinnati Art Museum on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 p.m. to witness the unveiling of a limited edition poster featuring the portrait of Pete Rose by American pop artist Andy Warhol.

The public is invited to a free cocktail reception and informal lecture by local gallery owner and art collector Carl Solway to learn the behind-the scenes story that brought Pete Rose to the Cincinnati Art Museum collection.

This is the first time the Warhol/Rose poster will be made available to the public. Since the Art Museum commissioned Warhol in 1985 to create the portrait commemorating Rose, it has been the most requested poster. The original painting is currently on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

A limited quantity of framed and numbered prints that are signed by Pete Rose will be available for $500. Unframed/unsigned posters can be purchased for $50.

All proceeds from the sales will benefit the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Reds Community Fund.

The Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202. For general information call (513) 639-2995.

The Reds Community Fund unveiled and officially dedicated Marty Brennaman Field at Juilfs Park on Friday, July 25, capping a $55,000 renovation project at the Anderson Township park.

  The renovation included a new backstop, dugouts, infield surface and seating to hold 150 people. Materials were donated by Duke Energy, Alvis Materials, Local 392 and Advanced Turf Solutions.

  The field renovation program started out with just 18 fields in 2006. By the end of this year, the Community Fund plans to have renovated about 225 with an investment of more than $1.3 million. 

Friday, July 25 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:10 p.m. 
• Fireworks Friday: Post-game 80's-themed fireworks show with soundtrack starting approximately 15 minutes after the end of the game. Presented by Jeff Wyler Automotive Family.
• Best 80's Hair Contest: Great Clips is offering free haircuts for a year to the winner of Friday night's "Best 80's Hair" contest!  Come to the ballpark early with your big bangs or stylish mullet and you could walk away with an entire year's worth of free haircuts, thanks to Great Clips!  The contest takes place in the Fan Zone starting at 6 p.m. so get to the ballpark early.
• Great Clips! Coupon: The first 40,000 fans will get a free "buy one haircut, get one free" coupon from Great Clips!
• Cincinnati Zoo Bald Eagle Flight: "Sam" the Bald Eagle from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will perform a flight from the roof of the Cincinnati Bell Technology Pavilion in center field to the pitcher's mound during the singing of the national anthem. Limited-edition "Sam" the Bald Eagle trading cards will be given out to the first 20,000 fans
• Blood Drive: Hoxworth's bloodmobile will be parked on Joe Nuxhall Way (Main Street) in front of the Reds Hall of Fame from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All donors will receive two complimentary tickets to that night's game. Sign up at: www.hoxworth.org/reds.
• Marty Field Dedication: Marty Brennaman Field at Juilfs Park in Anderson Township will be officially dedicated at 11 a.m. Public and media are invited.

Saturday, July 26 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:10 p.m. 
• Adam Dunn Bobblehead: Free 1980's-themed retro bobblehead of the Reds slugger sporting 80's threads free to first 30,000 fans. Presented by Pepsi.
• Reds Wiffleball Tournament: The inaugural Reds Summer Wiffle Ball Classic will take place on Sat. July 26 at Camp Dennison Memorial Park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More information: www.reds.com/summerwiffle
• Player Appearance: Outfielder Ryan Freel will be at the at&t store at Rookwood Pavilion from Noon to 2 p.m.
• Reds Heads Q&A Press Conference: Members of the Reds Heads Kids Club can attend an Q&A Press Conference with Reds players and coaches from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Fan Zone. Participating members are required to RSVP at redsheads@reds.com or (513) 765-7185 by Noon on Friday.

Sunday, July 27 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:15 p.m.
• 1980s-themed Kids Lunchbox: Free Kids Metal Lunchbox featuring current players and Mr. Redlegs to first 10,000 kids 14 and younger. Presented by Furniture Fair.
• Reach Magazine Family Days: One member of the family pays full price and the rest of the immediate family may purchase non-premium seats at half-price in advance of game day only.
• Aaron's Aces: For the second year in a row, Aaron Harang hosts a free ticket program during Sunday home games aimed to help families where a parent is serving in the military oversees.
• Reds Rookie Day: More than 500 kids and coaches from Reds Rookie Success Leagues in Cincinnati, Butler County, Warren County, Louisville and Western Hills will be in attendance for a youth parade and on-field ceremony.

Wiffleball enthusiasts from across the Midwest are expected to converge on Camp
Dennison Memorial Park on Saturday, July 26th for the inaugural Cincinnati Reds Summer Wiffleball Classic, presented by Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and 1530 HOMER The Sports Animal.

Teams of three to five players will compete for eight spots in the annual Kahn's Redsfest wiffleball tournament at the Duke Energy Convention Center, Dec.12-13, 2008.

The winning team will be honored during pregame ceremonies at a future Reds game this season. The format is round robin with advancing teams seeded into a single elimination tournament. The pitch speed is medium, base running is allowed and each game will be four innings in length. Players can participate in a home run derby.

The cost for registration is $105 per team for three to five players. Registration includes a tournament t-shirt and a "buy one get one free" Reds ticket voucher for each player.
To register your team, please visit www.reds.com/summerwifflewiffleguy09@aol.com. Registration ends July 24.
or contact: Brian Blinn at (513) 675-0902 or

All proceeds will benefit the Coach's Closet and the Reds Community Fund.

Camp Dennison Memorial Park is located at: 7509 Glendale Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, OH 45111.

Here are a few highlights from the Reds, White and Blue Weekend. Great tickets still available...

Thursday, July 3 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals, 7:10 p.m.
• Fireworks: Post-game fireworks show with soundtrack starting approximately 15 minutes after the end of the game presented by Rozzi's Famous Fireworks.

Friday, July 4 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals, 1:15 p.m.
• Free Military Ticket: All active duty military members can get a complimentary ticket for the July 4th game. Tickets can be picked up at the Great American Ball Park ticket windows with military identification. Premium areas and bleachers excluded. Additional tickets for family members can be purchased in the same seating areas at half-price.
• Reds, White and Blue Weekend: Many of the game ceremonies on July 4th will include members of the military and Veterans, including the first pitch, honor guard, National Anthem and honorary captain. Four F-18's will perform a fly over. 
• "Stars and Stripes" Caps: All MLB teams playing on July 4th will be wearing blue "Stars & Stripes" caps. The caps are part of series of national fundraising and awareness initiatives over the July 4th weekend for WelcomeBackVeterans.org
• Reds Family Game: Come early to see Reds players and families participate in the annual Reds Family Game. Starting at 11:30 a.m., watch the children of Reds players hit and run on the field. Gates open at 11:15 a.m. (No batting practice on Friday.)

Saturday, July 5 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals, 7:10 p.m.
• Reds, White and Blue Weekend: Reds players will be wearing camouflage jerseys for the July 5th and 6th games.
• Adult Camo Jersey Promotion: First 20,000 fans ages 15 and older will receive a free Ken Griffey Jr. Camo Mesh Jersey, presented by the U.S. Army.
• DHL Equipment Drive: Reds fans can donate new or gently used baseball equipment at Saturday's game. Collection bins will be located at the Mobile Ticket gate on Crosley Terrace. Fans that make a donation will receive a complimentary ticket to an upcoming Reds game. All equipment will be donated to the Yellow Ribbon Support Center. The DHL Equipment Drive is organized by the Reds Community Fund in partnership with MLB's Baseball Tomorrow Fund.
• 2nd Annual Bob Sumerel High School Baseball Coach of the Year Award: During pregame ceremonies, Bill Dreisbach from Lakota West High School will be presented with the 2008 Bob Sumerel Coach of the Year Award. The award recognizes area high school coaches who excel both on the field and in the community. Six finalists will also be recognized: Dave Bader (Harrison High School), Tim Held (Moeller High School), Rick Kunkel (Hamilton-Badin High School), Bill Krumpelbeck (Covington Catholic High School), Jeff Schulken (Newport Central Catholic High School) and Brian Lyons (Batavia High School).

Sunday, July 6 - Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals, 1:15 p.m.
• Reds, White and Blue Weekend: Reds players will be wearing camouflage jerseys for the July 5th and 6th games.
• Youth Camo Jersey Promotion: First 10,000 fans ages 14 and younger will receive a Ken Griffey Jr. Camo Mesh Jersey, presented by BAE Systems.
• First Pitch: 8-year-old Adam Bender will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Adam lost his left leg to cancer when he was 1, and he's a Little League catcher from Lexington, Ky. (Adam and his family will meet with the media on the field from 12:30 to 1 pm.)
• Run the Bases Day: Led by Adam Bender, fans can line up after the game to run the bases. Open to fans of all ages.

On June 12, 2008, Cincinnati Reds players Aaron Harang, Bill Bray, Ryan Freel and Jerry Hairston Jr. went shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods in Mason with kids from the Reds Community Fund's Reds Rookie Success League. Over 30 children spent up to $200 on merchandise. $100 was donated by Dick's and $100 was matched by the Reds player. 

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."