2025 Skyline Chili Reds Futures High School Showcase schedule announced

The 14th annual Skyline Chili Reds Futures High School Showcase presented by PNC will feature 88 high school baseball and softball teams from Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana and Dayton playing 44 games from April 5 to May 10.

On Tuesday, during the annual ‘First Pitch’ luncheon held at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy, Reds Community Fund Executive Director Charley Frank welcomed baseball and softball coaches and administrators from many of the participating high schools. Also in attendance were guests from PNC, In-Game Sports President and event organizer Tom Gamble, Reds President and CEO Phil Castellini, and Reds Hall of Famer George Foster.

“As anyone in the Reds organization and Reds Community Fund will attest, this is an essential event in terms of who we are and what we’re trying to do with growing the game and executing our mission of baseball and softball,” Frank said. “We can’t do this without partners like In-Game Sports, and nobody does these events better than they do. Tom Gamble knows our level of deep gratitude, appreciation and respect for the work they do in the amateur sports community, and the Reds are blessed that they have directed their attention, passion and incredible efforts toward baseball and softball for the past 14 years.”

This year, the Reds are thrilled to have PNC join the event as a proud sponsor. The official bank of the Reds has been an integral part of so many of the Reds and Reds Community Fund’s efforts throughout their partnership, with the High School Showcase being the latest addition to that list.

“When PNC took over the banking relationship with the Reds, there was a built-in community element to that, and we hoped they would have the same interest as us to continue with our community efforts,” Castellini said. “In my first meeting with [former regional president of PNC] Kay Geiger, not only did she guarantee they were going to continue every program that was in place but also asked what more they could do, and that's the type of relationship it's been ever since. Thank you, PNC, for being here and adding this event to the things you're already doing in the community, even beyond your work with the Reds and Reds Community Fund.”

Castellini recently returned to Cincinnati from Reds spring training in Goodyear, Ariz. He saw firsthand the top-to-bottom talent within the organization and couldn’t help but notice the similarities with what the High School Showcase represents.

“When you have a young team and you’re growing talent from within, the development doesn’t stop at the Major League level; there’s still so much work to do,” Castellini said. “And when I reflect upon the work that starts in youth sports -- in particular baseball and softball -- you coaches are the ones having the first impact on these kids. Just as we establish a foundation with the kids we draft into our system, you provide the foundation for the kids you are coaching and instill that passion and the right way to play the game. I can't speak enough to the importance your role has in developing these kids not just into better ballplayers, but better human beings.”

Foster also addressed the group and echoed Castellini’s gratitude. The former National League MVP and back-to-back World Series champion with the Big Red Machine knows a little something about what it takes, and who it takes, to mold a successful ballplayer.

“I want to thank the coaches out there for taking on the responsibility of working with these kids and understanding that you are out there to give guidance and show them the way. Winning is important, but that’s a byproduct of developing and having fun,” he said. Foster also shared stories from his days as the starting left fielder for the Big Red Machine, recognizing this year as the 50^th anniversary of the 1975 championship team.

The Showcase begins April 5 with a marquee matchup featuring the reigning D-1 state champion Mason Rockets taking on the perennial powerhouse Moeller Crusaders as part of a tripleheader at the University of Cincinnati.

When softball games kick off on April 12, it will also be the sixth consecutive year the Showcase will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. The Reds Youth Academy will feature 12 teams from Cincinnati Public Schools in a six-game slate starting that morning.

The Showcase will also include 16 games played at four regional universities: Miami, UC, Wright State and Xavier. In addition, 10 teams will play in the Showcase’s annual jewel event, “Big League Weekend” at Great American Ball Park on May 9 and 10.

Even 14 years in, Showcase tickets remain just $5 each and are available at the scheduled ballpark on game days (except Big League Weekend). With each ticket purchased, fans will receive a voucher for one free View Level ticket to a select 2025 Reds home game and a coupon for one free Skyline Chili Cheese Coney at participating restaurants, while supplies last.

Each Showcase team will be invited to Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 4, to participate in the “March at the Majors” pregame parade prior to the Reds vs. Washington Nationals game. The Showcase’s Most Valuable Players will receive their commemorative bats, presented by MSA Sport, as part of that afternoon’s pregame ceremonies. Each of the 88 games will also recognize the “PNC Player of the Game.”

Visit reds.com/HSShowcase for a full schedule and up-to-date information.