CINCINNATI -- Not only is Cincinnati the birthplace of professional baseball, it has cultivated generations of amateur baseball talent that has risen through the ranks to become Major Leaguers. Local legends like Pete Rose, Don Zimmer, Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. are just some examples.
While most aspiring players won't reach legendary status, there is no shortage of avenues of teams and places to play. Regardless of the level of team, the Reds have a large presence in amateur baseball in the area.
"I think what makes us unique is we really have connections to virtually every layer of amateur baseball here," said Charley Frank, the executive director of the Reds Community Fund.