By Andy Foltz
NKyTribune Correspondent
Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game is being held in Cincinnati for the fifth time come July, but all the action won’t be confined to the Great American Ballpark.
Thanks to the “Baseball Across the Region” effort — and the leadership of two Northern Kentuckian “baseball fanatics” — the fun will be spread around the entire Tri-State area.
Brent Cooper of C-Forward, former chair of the N.Ky. Chamber, and Ralph Dusing of Bluegrass Commercial Group, are co-chairing the effort to include the whole region in the All-Star excitement.
Their project is one of many of the Community Organizing Committee (COC) formed in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau to create a “unique, exciting and memorable” experience for visitors and locals alike during All-Star Summer.
The actual All-Star games will be played July 12-14, but the whole region becomes a playground for much longer.
“We are trying to have local celebrities and politicians involved as much as possible,” said Brent Cooper, who is co-chairing the “Baseball Across the Region” subcommittee promoting the game. “Everyone thinks this is just a game, but it’s more of a week-long event. It’s really going to be exciting and have an economic impact on the whole region.
“Baseball is part of Greater Cincinnati – both sides of the river,” he added. “The impact of baseball and the Cincinnati Reds is region-wide.”
Cooper estimated as many as 200,000 visitors will make stops in the Tri-State during the All-Star Game festivities, which will impact businesses from hotels to restaurants to other area entertainments.
Already in play is a ceremonial ball — much like the Olympic torch — which is making its way around the area.
It started with the Crosstown Shootout in February, then made an appearance at a Thomas More Lady Saints game. It will make the rounds — to Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant County libraries, as well as stops at Northern Kentucky University, Gateway Community College, the Newport Aquarium, other tourist attraction — and the airport.
Appearances at the libraries will be in conjunction with the All-Star Read On program, encouraging literacy and reading among youth.
Other events will be held to help promote non-profit organizations around the area as well, Cooper said.
Once the ceremonial ball has made its rounds, it will become a permanent fixture in the Reds Hall of Fame. A display will detail the ball’s travels throughout the region.
“This is all about showing people what this area has, and to remind ourselves of all the good things we have going on here,” said Cooper. “The goal is to highlight as many regional assets as we can.”
He said the travel schedule for “Baseball Across the Region” will be aggressive, especially in June and July leading up the games. Cooper said he would like to have the ceremonial ball involved in some parades this summer to help promote awareness, as well.
For more information on the COC, visit www.cincyusa.com/coc.