CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Cincinnati Reds joined Major League Baseball in commemorating Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson’s historic breaking of baseball’s color barrier 78 years ago on April 15, 1947. The Reds hosted a series of events at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy in Roselawn to honor the occasion.

The annual Joe Morgan Classic featured a matchup between historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) Wilberforce University from Ohio and Dillard University from Louisiana. Players donned authentic Negro League uniforms as a tribute, with Dillard defeating Wilberforce 19-14.

In addition, the Skyline Chili Reds Futures High Showcase, presented by PNC, saw Cincinnati Public Schools baseball and softball teams celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with several games. Riverview East triumphed over Shroder 12-10, Clark Montessori bested Western Hills 10-6, Williamsburg defeated Withrow 14-0 in softball, and Western Hills overcame Hughes 12-2 in softball.

The day also included an HBCU College Fair, featuring representatives from 10 HBCUs: Central State University, Fisk University, Hampton University, Jackson State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Southern University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Wilberforce University and Savannah State University.