Guardians Revive 'Cincinnati Isn't in Ohio' Rivalry Jokes Ahead of Reds Series

The Cleveland Guardians have reignited a playful interstate rivalry with the Cincinnati Reds by posting content claiming that Cincinnati is located in Kentucky rather than Ohio. This social media campaign, shared via the team's official X account, features players humorously asserting this geographical misconception ahead of their upcoming three-game series at Progressive Field from May 15-17, 2026. The post includes a caption stating, "The Reds come back in state this weekend," continuing a banter tradition between the two Major League Baseball franchises. This exchange follows previous incidents, including a May 2025 tweet by the Reds mocking the Guardians after a sweep, and a September 2024 incident where Guardians players wore shirts edited to say "Cincinnati is in Kentucky." The rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series, which also marks a return for former Cleveland manager Terry Francona, who now leads the Reds. The article highlights how professional sports teams utilize social media to engage fans through lighthearted trash talk, emphasizing the competitive yet humorous nature of in-state MLB matchups.