CINCINNATI, OH — South Ripley High School’s baseball program received a moment in the spotlight this weekend as community leaders, school administrators, and players gathered at the annual Redsfest celebration in downtown Cincinnati — where the school’s baseball field renovation project was recognized by the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund.
Redsfest, held Jan. 16–17 at the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center, draws thousands of baseball fans each year for player meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, memorabilia exhibitions, and community celebrations. This year, it provided a platform for the Reds Community Fund and partners to showcase impactful youth baseball initiatives across the tri-state region — including South Ripley’s field project.
South Ripley was selected last year by the Reds Community Fund in partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare as the next school in Reds Country to receive a major baseball field renovation. The project — the first of its kind in southeastern Indiana — aims to transform the South Ripley High School baseball facility into a modernized community asset for student-athletes, youth leagues, and local events, with completion expected by spring 2026.
At Redsfest, representatives from South Ripley joined Reds Community Fund officials and event attendees to mark the recognition of the project’s significance in extending baseball opportunities and enhancing athletic facilities in smaller communities. Leaders shared the South Ripley story with Reds fans from across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, highlighting the collaborative effort and community pride surrounding the renovation.
Superintendent Rob Moorhead has described the initiative as a “game-changer” for local athletes and area families, emphasizing the broader impact of improved recreational spaces on community engagement and youth development.
The field upgrade will include enhanced playing surfaces, updated infrastructure, and expanded access for a range of baseball and softball programming, reflecting South Ripley’s deep tradition in the sport. Community partners stress that projects like this foster stronger youth participation, promote healthy lifestyles, and celebrate the cultural importance of America’s pastime in towns like Versailles and surrounding Ripley County.
As South Ripley continues preparations for the completion of this project, the recognition at Redsfest underscores the growing prominence of the Raiders’ baseball program and the strength of community efforts to support athletics at all levels.