Safe at home: West End Reds reach $10,000 goal

The community came together. Readers engaged. Individuals and corporations gave. And on Thursday the West End Reds reached their $10,000 goal, money that will help fuel many future seasons of baseball in the West End.

Two days after an Enquirer story ran detailing the financial plight of one of Cincinnati's last inner-cities ball clubs, over 100 donations poured in. The smallest gift was $5. The largest, $2,500. The campaign, initiated by OTR resident and West End Reds assistant coach Derek Bauman, was set up to help pay for equipment, uniforms, field fees and to cover transportation costs. The West End Reds coaches have often in the past spent their own money to keep the team alive.

"The entire West End Reds family has been touched by the outpouring of support and generosity from the co1mmunity," Coach Bauman said. "We're excited to say that West End Reds baseball will continue, and we look forward to renewed energy and growth of the program in upcoming seasons."