ABOUT
The Roots to Home Project is a mission-driven baseball program, founded by pro athletes Ivan Johnson and Rece Hinds. Designed for young athletes – especially from underserved communities – Roots to Home Camps and Clinics provide FREE, high-quality instruction, along with life skills coaching, and college prep and mentorship, to support a player’s success on the field and beyond the diamond.
Ivan Johnson
Status: 2B/OF in the Cincinnati Reds Organization
Born: 10/11/1998 in Atlanta, GA
Draft: 2019, Cincinnati Reds, Round: 4, Overall Pick: 114
College: Chipola JC, Marianna, FL
Ivan Johnson, an Atlanta native and a versatile switch-hitting outfielder in the Cincinnati Reds organization, is making a strong impression with the Triple-A Louisville Bats during the 2025 season. Originally drafted by the Reds in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Johnson has transitioned from his early infield roles to become a key contributor in the outfield. With his consistent performance and versatility, Johnson is positioning himself as a strong candidate for a major league call-up.
Amateur Career
Ivan Johnson began his baseball journey at North Springs High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he emerged as a standout infielder known for his athleticism and switch-hitting ability. After finishing up at Kennesaw Mountain high school, he attended The University of Georgia where he spent the 2018 season before transferring to Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, a program renowned for producing MLB talent. At Chipola, Johnson continued to hone his skills, contributing significantly to the team's success and solidifying his status as a promising prospect. His performance at Chipola caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2019 MLB Draft.
Rece Hinds
Status: Status: OF in the Cincinnati Reds Organization
Born: 9/05/2000 in Longbranch, NJ
Draft: 2019, Cincinnati Reds, Round: 2, Overall Pick: 49
High School: Niceville, Niceville, FL
MLB Debut: 7/08/2024
Rece Xola Hinds, born on September 5, 2000, in Longbranch, New Jersey, is a professional baseball outfielder in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Known for his exceptional power and athleticism, Hinds has progressed through the Reds' minor league system and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2024.
Professional Career
The Cincinnati Reds selected Hinds in the second round, 49th overall, of the 2019 MLB Draft. He began his professional career with the Greeneville Reds of the Low-A Appalachian League. Although his initial stint was brief, Hinds's potential was evident. The cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities that year, but he remained active by joining the Reds' alternate training site roster.
Hinds spent the 2023 season with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, delivering a strong performance. His impressive season led the Reds to add him to their 40-man roster in November .
In 2024, his performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues on July 8, 2024. Hinds made an immediate impact, hitting five home runs in his first six MLB games. He concluded his rookie season with a .261 batting average, five home runs, 11 RBIs, and two stolen bases over 24 games.
As of the start of the 2025 season, Hinds has been optioned back to Triple-A Louisville, where he continues to develop his skills and awaits his next opportunity in the majors.
Amateur Career
Hinds began his high school baseball career at Niceville High School in Florida, where he quickly gained recognition for his prodigious power at the plate. His performances earned him invitations to prestigious events such as the Under Armour All-America Game after both his sophomore and junior seasons. His standout performances solidified his status as one of the top high school prospects in the nation.