In this week’s review, the University of Cincinnati faces calls to change their baseball stadium’s name. The Cincinnati Reds select their 2020 MLB Draft class. While Major League Soccer’s resumption plans take a significant step forward.

The Marge Schott Stadium controversy

America’s reckoning over racial inequality is prompting various discussions and actions. Over the controversial legacies, racist statements and actions of several public figures. This is playing out at the University of Cincinnati. Through a petition to change the name of their baseball stadium. Current and former UC Baseball players are among those pushing for the name change.

Marge Schott Stadium is named after the late former owner of the Cincinnati Reds. She drew controversy over multiple racist and anti-Semitic statements she made. Which ultimately contributed to her losing control of the team in the late 1990’s. After her death in 2004, Schott’s family foundation donated $2 million to the university. Schott’s name was added to the stadium in 2006.

In a statement last week, that foundation announced they would support whatever UC decides to do. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, UC’s Board of Trustees will discuss the issue at their next meeting on June 23rd. This is not the first time that UC is facing a situation like this. Last December, the university removed Charles McMicken’s name from their college of arts and sciences. McMicken owned and sold slaves, he also bequeathed the money and property to help start UC.

Cincinnati Reds 2020 MLB Draft recap

While the structure of Major League Baseball’s 2020 season remains in doubt. The MLB Draft took place last Wednesday and Thursday. It was a shortened draft compared to previous years. With just five rounds this year compared to 40 last year. Here’s a brief review of the Cincinnati Reds 2020 draft class.

First Round: Austin Hendrick, an outfielder from Imperial, PA’s West Allegheny High School.

Second Round: Christian Roa, a right-handed pitcher from Texas A&M. The first of three right-handed pitchers drafted by the Reds this year.

Competitive Balance Round B: Jackson Miller, a catcher from J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, FL.

Third Round: Bryce Bonnin, a right-handed pitcher from Texas Tech.

Fourth Round: Mac Wainwright, an outfielder from Cleveland, OH’s St.Edward High School. According to The Dayton Daily News, he previously signed to play for Ohio State last year.

Fifth Round: Joe Boyle, a right-handed pitcher originally from Goshen, KY. He was most recently a pitcher for the University of Notre Dame.

Groups drawn for MLS is Back Tournament 

Major League Soccer’s resumption tournament plans continue to take shape. With the MLS is Back Tournament set for July 8-August 11. Taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. As Florida’s 2020 campaign to host everything and the kitchen sink continues. In an effort to boost a tourism industry hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MLS is Back Tournament will feature a group stage from July 8-23. With all 26 MLS clubs being put into six groups. The groups were set through a draw last Thursday. Group stage games will effectively count as regular season games. FC Cincinnati is one of four teams in Group E. Joining Atlanta United, the New York Red Bulls and their “Hell is Real” derby foes, the Columbus Crew. FC Cincinnati faced Atlanta and the Red Bulls in their only games of the season so far.

After the group stage is completed, the tournament will shift into a single-elimination stage. The top two teams in each group will advance. Along with the four best third place finishers. The round of 16 will take place from July 25-28. Quarterfinal matches will stretch out between July 30th and August 1st. The semifinals will stretch out between August 5th and 6th. With the tournament culminating through the final on August 11th.