Will Benson talks go-to Cincy hangout spots, Jackie Robinson Day

Story by

Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer

Wed, Apr 15, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Cincinnati Reds and the MLB are celebrating one of the most impactful baseball players of all time, Jackie Robinson.

The Reds and Nike, in partnership with the MLB, commemorated the Hall of Famer who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with events at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy and Great American Ball Park on April 15.

Wednesday's program kicked off through a Q&A on Robinson's legacy with Reds stars Will Benson , Ke'Bryan Hayes, Rece Hinds and Dane Myers , who spoke to student-athletes from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University.

The schools, two HBCUs, played each other following the Q&A.

Will Benson spoke to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy on April 15.

"It's a blessing to be able to be in this position to be a light to others," Benson, a Reds outfielder, said after the Q&A.

Benson, who first joined the Reds in 2023, said its important for him to be in the community, especially on Jackie Robinson Day, because he knows his journey in the big leagues can inspire the next generation of players.

"I feel a part of something, something that's bigger than me," Benson said. "The more I've invested my time, my energy, taking my family to certain places, I realize how great a community I'm surrounded around. It's obviously a tremendous honor to be able to put this uniform on because I realize it represents something deeper."

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Will Benson, speaks to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce first baseman Christopher Alcantara-Diaz, right, stands during the national anthem before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Kentucky State team huddles before playing Wilberforce at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce designated hitter Waldemberg Guerrero warms up before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce Phillip Williams warms up before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Kentucky State Brad Dossett (2) warms up before playing Wilberforce University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce Craig Smith warms up before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Kentucky State outfielder Tyler Cansler warms up before playing Wilberforce University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Kentucky State infielder Braylen Duncan bunts while warming up at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce pitcher Thomas Hampton warms up before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Kentucky State Brady Wooldridge warms up before playing Wilberforce University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Will Benson, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, Cincinnati Reds right fielder Rece Hinds and Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers speak to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce Nate Lomax warms up with Wilberforcer shortstop Brandon Bell (26) before playing Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce right fielder Daunte Ward warms up before playing Wilberforce University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce team gathers around for a huddle before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Will Benson (30) speaks to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce Seth Spann asks a question of Cincinnati Reds players before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Wilberforce University student wears a shoe dedicated to Jackie Robinson before playing Kentucky State at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) speaks to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Rece Hinds (57) speaks to players from Wilberforce University and Kentucky State University at the Reds Youth Academy as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dedication for Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Both schools are Historic Black Universities.

Benson went on to highlight places around Cincinnati he enjoys frequenting, including Eden Park and restaurants Cantina, located Downtown, and Mama's in Covington.

"I kick it a lot around there," he said.

But if you were counting on No. 30 to be a fan of Cincinnati chili, you would be sadly disappointed. Benson said he would "need to be paid highly" to try the local dish.

The Jackie Robinson Day festivities conclude at 6:40 p.m. April 15, when the Reds take on the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park. All players, managers and coaches have No. 42 jerseys to honor Robinson.

Attendees will receive a commemorative Jackie Robinson patch.

1 /9

9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie

Actor Mark Wahlberg said during an April 8 appearance on the "Throwbacks" podcast that a Pete Rose movie could be in the works, and there is already a script.

The Enquirer decided to come up with a list of 9 actors we would love to see in the movie and who they would play.

First up is Wahlberg himself, right, starring as Pete Rose.