Hoxworth’s Pitching for Platelets 2025 brings donors together for memorable night with Cincinnati Reds
For the first time in Hoxworth Blood Center's history, hundreds of dedicated platelet donors were honored in a truly memorable way at Great American Ball Park. Our Pitching for Platelets campaign reached new heights this year, celebrating the lifesaving commitment of individuals who gave platelets three or more times during April and May.
The donors knocked it out of the ballpark! More than 400 people qualified for this exclusive experience, far exceeding expectations and showcasing the strength and compassion of Hoxworth’s donor community.
Many of those donors attended the July 26 game, when the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to the first pitch, Hoxworth leadership took to the field to publicly recognize and thank the donors in attendance, each one a true hero to patients in need.
“Pitching for Platelets was an incredible celebration of the generosity and impact of our platelet donors,” said David Oh, MD, co-director and chief medical officer of Hoxworth Blood Center. “It was truly inspiring to see so many of our lifesaving donors gathered together at Great American Ball Park. Their commitment makes a difference for local patients every single day, and this event was a small but meaningful way for us to show our gratitude.”
The ongoing partnership with the Reds and Hoxworth helps to shine a spotlight on the incredible generosity of platelet donors and to share their impact with the broader Cincinnati community. Together, they’re saving lives close to home.
Andrew Friend throws out first pitch
Platelet donor Andrew Friend won the drawing to throw out the honorary first pitch during the pregame ceremony, a fitting tribute to his extraordinary dedication. Since beginning his journey as a blood donor with Hoxworth in 2022, Andrew quickly transitioned to platelet donation and has already completed more than 60 donations, totaling more than eight gallons.
Joining him on the field was his wife, Annie, who proudly served as the honorary catcher. The couple practiced their pitch several times in anticipation of the big moment, making it a truly special memory for them and for all of Hoxworth.
“I just think it’s an easy thing to do,” says Andrew, “I always tell people a lot of the time my donation goes to people fighting cancer, and it’s just such a noble thing to do! In terms of community service, it’s about the easiest thing you can do.”
You can view more photos of the Pitching for Platelets event on our Facebook page.
Interested in becoming a platelet donor?
Platelet donation is an automated process, in which a machine collects platelets from a donor while returning red cells and most plasma. People with A and AB blood types are encouraged to make platelet donations based on patient needs. Donors meeting whole blood donation criteria can usually donate platelets, but their platelet count must be verified for safety.
Platelet transfusions (necessary for clotting) are an element of cancer and organ transplant treatments, and demand is growing. Many surgical procedures depend on platelets as they help prevent massive blood loss.
If you'd like to become a platelet donor, schedule a whole blood donation and talk with your phlebotomist to learn more about becoming a platelet donor and available tests needed to become eligible to donate.
Hoxworth Heroes are saving local lives
Hoxworth requires more than 50 platelet donors a day to supply more than 30 local hospitals with this precious lifesaving component. Just like whole blood, platelets cannot be manufactured and are only available through the generosity of donors. These selfless platelet donors are able to donate every two weeks or up to 24 times a year, offering hope and healing to patients battling cancer, trauma and other serious conditions in Tristate hospitals.
See if YOU can be a Hoxworth Hero and schedule your donation today!
About Hoxworth Blood Center
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, was founded in 1938 and serves more than 30 hospitals in 18 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects more than 100,000 units of blood from local donors to help save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center: Saving Lives Close to Home.
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