Cincinnati Takes Center Stage With Civil Rights Game

Rather than dwell on the butt whoppin' that went on yesterday, I think I will turn my attention to the events coming up this weekend.

My journalistic integrity (do I have any?) tells me that I should at least mention that the Braves beat the Reds 7-0 to avoid a sweep.

The 2009 Civil Rights Game will take place on Saturday at Great American Ball Park when the Reds host the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. There will be several other events in Cincinnati showcasing the efforts Major League Baseball has made to create a level playing field for players and fans from all races and backgrounds.

There will be a roundtable discussion today at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and will feature Reds great Tony Perez, basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, and MLB network's Harold Reynolds.

The Beacon Awards Luncheon will be held at the Duke Energy Center on Saturday. Each year, the awards are given to people who represent the Civil Rights movement. Receiving the honor this year are Muhammad Ali, Bill Cosby, and Hank Aaron. The keynote address will be given by former President Bill Clinton.

Major League Baseball's "Wanna Play?" event will be held on Fountain Square on Saturday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. This event will feature interactive activities to help expose more kids to baseball. One of the featured stars of the event is Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips.

The three-game series between the White Sox and Reds starts tonight. Here are the probable pitchers:

Friday, June 19
Jose Contreras, RHP (2-5, 5.32) vs Bronson Arroyo, RHP (7-5, 5.36)

Saturday, June 20
Clayton Richard, LHP (2-1, 3.76) vs Johnny Cueto, RHP (6-4, 2.17)

Sunday, June 21
Mark Buehrle, LHP (6-2, 3.43) vs Aaron Harang, RHP (5-6, 3.65)

Image:  http://freedomcenter.org

This article was orginally posted on The Wight Pages.