Mac Whitaker will throw out the first pitch at the Reds game against the Cubs on May 24th. Coach Whitaker is the all-time winningest coach in Kentucky baseball history.

He will be joined by David Iery, who will be an honorary team captain. The David Iery Foundation raises awareness for spinal cord injuries.

From the David Iery Foundation website:

David Iery was injured in a baseball accident in 1989 in Grayson, Kentucky. He was paralyzed from the chest down after sliding into home plate head first. 

30 years later he has worked together with the community and his army of volunteers to lead a powerful and unique movement. With Ten Plus years of history organizing community events involving Spinal Cord Injury and Baseball Awareness, he decided to start The David Iery Foundation in 2017. The foundation is comprised of community leaders and volunteers.

The David Iery Foundation has hosted The David Iery Showcase, The David Iery Classic in Boys and Girls, The DIF Bass Tournament, DIF Night Lex, Cincinnati Reds David Iery Day, and the Diamond Dinner – all with the purpose to raise awareness about the foundation and our goals.

We are on a Mission to Cure Paralysis and Educate Our Youth, along with Funding Spinal Cord Injury Research and Awarding Scholarships to Local High School Athletes.