By Michael Anderson
Cincinnati Reds
On Saturday, June 17, a new baseball field in Avondale was dedicated in honor of Cleveland Parker III. Parker, a devoted leader of inner-city baseball for decades, lost his life in 2005 when he was the victim of a stray bullet at his home near the Blair Avenue Park.
He was known for creating a culture of inclusion that helped baseball thrive in urban Knothole districts.
The new synthetic baseball and softball field Cleveland Parker Field at Avondale Recreation Complex, 887 Blair Avenue, was created by the Reds Community Fund and Cincinnati Recreation Commission as part of the Avondale Community Makeover with P&G, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Cincinnati Zoo.Â
The ceremony attracted a large crowd that included the family of Cleveland Parker, Mayor Aftab Pureval, Congressman Greg Landsman, Reds President & COO Phil Castellini and Hall of Famer George Foster.
Following the ceremony, the family laid flowers on a memorial to Cleveland that was designed and installed by the Cincinnati Zoo.Â
The inaugural game on Cleveland Parker Field was played between the Cincinnati Reds Nike RBI 13U and Pisgah Youth Organization.
The new full-size synthetic field can be used by baseball and softball teams from youth to high school.
The new synthetic baseball/softball field, along with other improvements to the Avondale Recreation Area, was part of the Community Makeover projects in Avondale in 2020-21 organized by the Reds, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Cincinnati Zoo.
Ohio’s 1st Congressional District, spoke
at the baseball field dedication. Photo provided by Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission has been integral in finalizing the projects at the park which include a new basketball court, new pickleball and tennis courts, a playground, and a T-ball field.
The new full-size synthetic field can be used by baseball and softball teams from youth to high school.
A memorial to Cleveland Parker was designed and installed by the Cincinnati Zoo. Local artist Brent Billingsley repainted the playground with help from kids from the Avondale community.