by Noel Ripley
A Rosie Red
As the region prepares to host the 2015 ALL STAR game, the Rosie Reds (Rooters Organized to Stimulate Interest and Enthusiasm in the Cincinnati Reds) are helping keep the rich heritage of baseball alive and well.
Who are the Rosie Reds, you ask? This is a philanthropic and social organization, created by a group of devoted supporters of the Reds in 1964 when there was a risk of the National League franchise being taken out of the city. Before becoming the “Rosie Reds,” they were known as “The Women’s Committee for the Cincinnati Reds of Cincinnati Unlimited.”
The committee met to brainstorm on how to increase women’s attendance at Crosley Field. This intrepid group of women came up with ideas like: offering a package deal with dinner and a bus trip to the game; a cocktail party to kick off the Women’s Committee followed by a ballgame; including player’s wives and families in activities; developing a mascot to go along with the “little Red Man’; encourage the Reds to sign young, eligible, bachelor ball players; and a tour of Crosley Field.
The level of enthusiasm within the committee grew over the years and the “Rosie Reds” were born. The first ladies of the Rosie Reds had strong connections to the city and the Reds organization.
Now focusing on philanthropic and social activities, The Rosie Reds host and participate in many events, from the Annual Luncheon and the Mascot Home Run Derby to helping the Miracle League and Best Buddies.
One of the highlights is their presence in the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. A long-standing tradition for Cincinnatians prior to the baseball season opener. You can find more information on these events at www.rosiereds.org.
One of the most important things the Rosie Reds do is award annual baseball endowments or scholarships. Last year alone, they donated over $30,000 to nine area colleges and universities: University of Cincinnati (Margaret Zimmer Memorial), Xavier University, University of Dayton, Miami University, Miami University Hamilton, Mt St Joseph University, Thomas More College, Northern Kentucky University, Wilmington College.
Additionally, they have donated to the Kids Glove Program, a non-profit with 67 years of experience helping kids play baseball and softball. All proceeds for the program go towards the purchase of baseball and softball equipment for the youth in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
“The Rosies feel strongly about helping to foster and promote an interest in baseball for the youth in the Cincinnati area”, says Myra Riefle, the current President of the Rosie Reds.
Riefle, the 24th President of the organization, says her presidency has been a time of transition. How so? Riefle was able to streamline the way they communicate information and she fostered the growth of their membership so the Rosie’s could reach the maximum members allotted, which is capped at 3000. In fact, back in the 1990’s,there was a waiting list to be a part of this prestigious group.
This year, the Rosie Reds celebrated their 50th Anniversary, which was a very special and exciting time for Riefle and the rest of the members. With the coordination efforts from Lynne Gibson, a past President of the Rosie’s, The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame honored them with a dip lay showcasing the milestone they accomplished.
Dale Silver, Vice President of the Rosie Reds and client services manager of Northern Kentucky’s C-Forward, added that having Ron Oester (former Second Baseman to the Cincinnati Reds) as the keynote speaker was a true highlight.
Oester, who played for the Reds from 1978-1990, is a Cincinnati native. He finished his career with the Reds with a World Series Championship, when in one of the biggest upsets in baseball history; the Cincinnati Reds swept the Oakland Athletics.
I asked Riefle and Silver what has been one of their fondest memories being a part of the Rosie Reds. For Riefle, it was the chance, in her role as president, to present the Managers Opening Day plaques to Dusty Baker and Mike Scioscia at the start of the first inter league season opener in Major League history on April 1st, 2013.
“It was an opener that set a few records and emptied both bullpens and benches,” remembers Riefle. The crowd of 43,168 was the largest one at Great American Ball Park for a regular season game.
For Silver, many fond memories came to mind, both professionally and personally. However, having guaranteed quality time with family while watching the Cincinnati Reds take the field gave her the memories to keep for a lifetime.
Both ladies can’t say enough about the organization, as they gave high praise to all the members who volunteered their time to make all the events held successful.
Everyone in the Rosie Reds is committed to making the community of Cincinnati both stronger and better through their philanthropic efforts.
Both Riefle and Silver are thankful to the Cincinnati Reds for their continued support and promotion of the Rosie Reds organization, and affording their members many special opportunities.
For membership information, or to learn more about the endowments and scholarships that are presented yearly, please visit www.rosiereds.org.
Noel Ripley is a Rosie Red and is business development manager of Ultimate Air Shuttle. This story first appeared in Ulitmate Air’s magazine and is reprinted with permission.