Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson might be known for snagging more interceptions than any other linebacker in the league since 2020, but in Dayton, he’s becoming the king of the diamond.
Honestly, if you haven’t made it out to Day Air Ballpark for the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game, you’re missing the most wholesome, chaotic, and genuinely fun event on the Cincinnati sports calendar. It’s not just about watching elite athletes struggle to hit a yellow ball with a metal bat—though that is hilarious. It’s about a community rallying around a cause that hits home for a lot of people.
The most recent 2025 installment, held on June 11, was arguably the biggest one yet.
What Really Happens at the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game
A lot of "celebrity" events feel staged or corporate. This isn't one of them. Basically, it’s a bunch of NFL giants acting like kids for a night.
The day starts early. Gates usually open around 5:00 PM, but the "real" show begins at 6:00 PM with the Home Run Derby. This is where you see who actually spent their offseason in the cages and who’s just swinging for the fences and hoping for the best. In past years, we’ve seen guys like Joe Bachie and Trey Hendrickson absolutely mash, while others... well, others just provide great content for the blooper reel.
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The actual game kicks off at 7:00 PM. It’s seven innings of pure entertainment.
Who Showed Up in 2025?
The roster for the 2025 game was a Who’s Who of Bengals royalty. Logan doesn’t just invite the practice squad; he gets the heavy hitters.
- Ja’Marr Chase: Seeing one of the best receivers in the world try to track a fly ball in short-center is worth the price of admission alone.
- Tee Higgins: A staple at this event. He’s surprisingly athletic on the dirt.
- The Legends: Ickey Woods and Giovani Bernard were back in the mix. Gio remains a massive fan favorite in Dayton—the "Gio" chants never really stop.
- The Special Guests: Coach Zac Taylor usually makes an appearance, along with kicker Evan McPherson and defensive staples like Sam Hubbard and Cam Taylor-Britt.
Why This Game Actually Matters (Beyond the Box Score)
It’s easy to get caught up in the highlights, but the heart of the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game is the Brooks Joshua Anderson Foundation.
Logan Wilson isn't just a figurehead here. He’s deeply connected to the foundation’s mission: ending the mystery of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The foundation was started by a close friend of Logan’s back in Wyoming after the loss of their son, Brooks.
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When you see the players wearing jerseys that say "Play For Brooks," it’s a reminder that this isn’t just about sports. The funds raised go directly toward SIDS research and the "Books from Brooks" scholarship fund. It’s a heavy topic, but the game manages to celebrate a life while doing the hard work of funding medical research.
The Vibe in Dayton
Day Air Ballpark is a gem. It’s the home of the Dayton Dragons, and the atmosphere is electric but intimate.
There’s something about the Water Street District on a game night that just feels right. You’ve got fans in orange and black lining up hours early. The pre-event plaza party at 4:00 PM is usually packed with families. It's one of those rare events where you can actually get close enough to see the players' personalities.
You’ll see 300-pound offensive linemen trying to slide into second base (and failing). You’ll see Logan Wilson high-fiving kids for three hours straight. It’s the kind of access fans dream of.
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Real Talk: Is the Softball Actually Good?
Sorta.
Look, these are world-class athletes. They are competitive by nature. When Team Wilson takes on a squad led by someone like Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson (who is a frequent flyer at these games), they want to win.
But it’s also softball. There are dropped fly balls. There are wild throws that end up in the dugouts. There are questionable calls by the umpires that lead to jokingly heated arguments. It’s more "backyard barbecue" than "World Series," and that’s exactly why people love it.
How to Attend the Next One
If you’re planning to head to the 2026 game, you need to be smart about tickets.
- Watch the Calendar: Historically, tickets go on sale in mid-April. Dragons season ticket holders and corporate partners usually get a 48-hour head start.
- Price Points: This is surprisingly affordable. In 2025, tickets started around $10.20 and went up to $38.00. Even the luxury suites were relatively reasonable at $300.
- Parking: It can be a bit of a nightmare if you don't plan ahead. Use the Dayton Dragons’ official site to find the best lots, or just arrive early for the plaza party.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to support Logan Wilson’s mission or just make sure you're at the next big game, here is what you should do right now:
- Follow the Foundation: Head over to the Brooks Joshua Anderson Foundation website. You can donate directly or learn more about the SIDS research they fund.
- Set a Ticket Alert: Bookmark
loganwilsonsoftball.com. This is the primary hub for roster updates and ticket releases. Don't wait until June; the good seats (especially the meet-and-greet opportunities) sell out in days. - Prepare for Autographs: If you're going for signatures, bring your own Sharpie and something specific to sign. The players are great about it, but the lines move fast.
- Check the Roster: Keep an eye on the Dayton Dragons' social media in May. They usually announce the "mystery guests" and final roster additions about two weeks before the first pitch.
The Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game has quickly become a pillar of the Cincinnati and Dayton sports scene. It’s a rare moment where the "Who Dey" spirit moves north for a night, all to make sure no more families have to deal with the tragedy of SIDS. See you at the ballpark.