Story by
Will Benson talks go-to Cincy hangout spots, Jackie Robinson Day
- Story by
- Will Benson talks go-to Cincy hangout spots, Jackie Robinson Day
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
1
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
1
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
2
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
3
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
4
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
5
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
6
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
7
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
8
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
9
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
10
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
11
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
12
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
13
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
14
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
15
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
16
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
17
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
18
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
19
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
20
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
21
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
22
/22
Reds players honor Jackie Robinson with HBCU athletes, view photos
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.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
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.
The second one is easy.
Considering the movie is supposedly set later in Rose's career, closer to when the MLB banned the Hit King from baseball, former MLB commissioner Bart Giamatti, left, has to be in the film.
Bart's son, Paul Giamatti, right, would play his dad.
James Spader, right, would play the role of former MLB special investigator John Dowd.
(Glenn Hartong/The Enquirer; Dominik Bindl/Getty Images for Tribeca TV Festival)
Oliver Platt, right, would act as the former deputy commissioner in 1989 when Rose was banned, Fay Vincent, left. Vincent later became the MLB commissioner.
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Margo Martindale, right, would play former Reds owner Marge Schott, left.
(Rick Stewart/Stringer via Getty Images; Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
Mahershala Ali, right, would star as former Reds All-Star Eric Davis.
(Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images; Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Alfred Enoch, right, would play the role of Rose's former Big Red Machine teammate Tony Perez, left.
(Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images; Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)
The Enquirer had trouble casting Johnny Bench's role but settled on Walton Goggins, right, one of the biggest names in the industry right now.
Tramell Tillman, right, would act as another Big Red Machine star in Joe Morgan, left.
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.
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.
2
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
The second one is easy.
Considering the movie is supposedly set later in Rose's career, closer to when the MLB banned the Hit King from baseball, former MLB commissioner Bart Giamatti, left, has to be in the film.
Bart's son, Paul Giamatti, right, would play his dad.
3
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
James Spader, right, would play the role of former MLB special investigator John Dowd.
(Glenn Hartong/The Enquirer; Dominik Bindl/Getty Images for Tribeca TV Festival)
4
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
Oliver Platt, right, would act as the former deputy commissioner in 1989 when Rose was banned, Fay Vincent, left. Vincent later became the MLB commissioner.
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
5
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
Margo Martindale, right, would play former Reds owner Marge Schott, left.
(Rick Stewart/Stringer via Getty Images; Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
6
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
Mahershala Ali, right, would star as former Reds All-Star Eric Davis.
(Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images; Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
7
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
Alfred Enoch, right, would play the role of Rose's former Big Red Machine teammate Tony Perez, left.
(Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images; Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)
8
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
The Enquirer had trouble casting Johnny Bench's role but settled on Walton Goggins, right, one of the biggest names in the industry right now.
9
/9
9 Hollywood stars we want in Mark Wahlberg's Pete Rose movie
Tramell Tillman, right, would act as another Big Red Machine star in Joe Morgan, left.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds' Will Benson talks Cincy hangout spots, Jackie Robinson Day
