Play ball! Ohio CASA wraps successful second ballpark campaign, teams up with MLB families

Ohio CASA’s second “Ohio CASA at the Ballpark” campaign expands, adds special partnership to raise awareness, show appreciation for CASA volunteers

Ohio CASA’s second “Ohio CASA at the Ballpark” campaign featured a larger number of ball games, a special new partnership, and other features in 2025.

Designed to show appreciation for CASA volunteers and raise awareness about CASA volunteer work, CASA staff teamed up with the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Columbus Clippers, Dayton Dragons, Southern Ohio Copperheads, and Toledo Mud Hens to host “CASA Day” games.

Volunteers were featured at the games, from throwing out the first pitch to delivering the game ball. At each game, attendees wore matching blue CASA shirts and spread the word about CASA programs in various ways.

“It has been a joy to work with everyone on this important project,” said Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens. “We believe every Ohio child experiencing abuse and neglect deserves a caring, consistent, and highly trained adult in their corner. This effort gets us even closer to reaching every child in need.”

Family members of Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds athletes teamed up to put on a series of fundraisers and awareness events to benefit the Ohio CASA Network, culminating in a charity softball game.

The families presented the Ohio CASA Network with a check for $18,500. This money and other related donations will benefit CASA programs in Hamilton and Cuyahoga Counties, as well as the entire state network of CASA programs.

The Cincinnati Reds also organized a special check presentation ceremony on the field before the June 24 “CASA Day” game. Ohio CASA staff members and ProKids Hamilton County CASA volunteer Peri Russo were invited on the field.

Shelby Logsdon, a foster parent who works with PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA, delivered the official game ball to the pitcher’s mound alongside her three children.

In addition, at the “CASA Day” game with the Cleveland Guardians June 9, Summit County CASA volunteer and foster parent Aimee Hubbert, alongside her twin sons, threw out the first pitch at the game on behalf of CASA volunteers.

The family was greeted by Samantha Kwan and Jordyn Pagán, two of the CASA supporters leading the effort. The family also got to meet their spouses, Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan and Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán during the first pitch.

“This was an experience our family will never forget,” said Hubbert. “This was the first time the boys have ever been to a baseball game, and it was magical. The support for CASA volunteers and children means so much.”

Organized by Ohio CASA Communications staff, the marketing and awareness campaign welcomed more than 1,200 attendees at the various games made up of CASA volunteers and foster families. Thirty-seven local CASA programs participated. Funding for this effort is made possible through private donation.

Local CASA program staff report increased interest in their programs and CASA volunteer work.

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association is deeply appreciative of the support from these two groups, and of all the game attendees.