The concept is quite simple: increase female participation in the sport of baseball.
However, achieving this goal is not as easy as it sounds.
It is necessary to promote the game at all levels and create opportunities for women to continue playing baseball as they grow older. Justine Siegal, the founder of Baseball For All, is determined to make this happen.
Siegal, who holds a doctorate in sports psychology, has had a successful career coaching baseball. In 2014, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a coach for an MLB organization, specifically the Athletics.
But Siegal’s mission did not end there. Having grown up playing baseball herself, she wanted to give other women the same chance. In 2010, she established Baseball For All as a nonprofit organization with the aim of providing opportunities for girls to play, coach, and lead in baseball.
Today, Baseball For All has players from over 40 states and five countries competing in tournaments across the nation. The organization also advocates for women’s college club baseball programs.
This year, Baseball For All has joined forces with the Reds Youth Academy to host a Women’s College Club Baseball Invitational. While not the first event of its kind, it is the first one officially affiliated with a major league team.
Kevin Coe, the assistant director of the Reds Youth Academy, was enthusiastic about supporting this event.
“I didn’t hesitate to say yes,” said Coe, who had previously worked with Siegal during their time with the White Sox. “I have a unique position that allows me to provide unique opportunities.”
The invitational will feature players from various colleges and universities across the country, welcoming women of all skill levels. The participants will be divided into teams and compete in a round robin-style tournament.
This event serves as a precursor to the upcoming BFA Women’s College Club Baseball Championships, which will take place in early April.
“It’s exciting to be part of something that’s just beginning,” Coe remarked.
“I’ve witnessed (Siegal) nurture Baseball For All and amateur and youth girls’ baseball from one coast to another. Now she’s taking it to the college level. I have no doubt she will succeed.”
According to the Source baseballamerica.com