2008 Season!

[JeepingBaseball]

What leagues are active this year? (state and city)
What team/league have disbanded?
How many teams in your (or local) league?
How many games typically scheduled?

Lack of league in your area? If forced to, would you play softball with women only or in a co-ed team?

Only area I know with multiple teams in the league are Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, NYC tri state area, Central Florida, and the California league.

Other teams, from my understanding, are lone teams that travel to play with a nearby league. New Hampshire, Seattle, South Bend, and Detroit.

I may be wrong, and if so, let me know. Some teams/leagues took a leave of absence and disappeared and suddenly they were back. Others formed a league and went back to be the lone team and bounce back into a league.

Not sure where Philly stands, and I heard thru the grapevine that Hartford, CT was ready to join the east coast baseball world.

How about the Midwest? The north is accounted for and well represented. St Louis? Kansas City? Little Rock? OK City? Dallas? Houston? Denver?

Anyone know whatever happened to the Phoenix team? (I believed they played in Tempe)

[captlid]

What leagues are active this year? (state and city) Well I know the dc area has been going strong for a while and so has philly. I dont think pawtucket,ri is going to stop playing anytime soon either. They seem to have the largest stable league in the country.

What team/league have disbanded? Not sure what will happen with the nyc league at this point in time. :( Also nj's league was inactive last year. I have not seen anything being expanded. Their website looks like it has not been touched in over two years.

How many teams in your (or local) league?
We had two last year with about 12-14 players on each.

How many games typically scheduled? One game per week on the weekend from june to end of august.


Lack of league in your area? If forced to, would you play softball with women only or in a co-ed team?

If the nyc league is inactive this coming season, I will be playing softball with a group of guys at the nearby park. Another group of guys also might get together to play pickup baseball on saturday mornings near me. I did this last september and found it very enjoyable.

I wont be playing softball in an organized womens league. I did it last year and did not find it very fun. :(

[NotAboutEgo]

Colorado (Denver area) has a women's league. I believe they took hiatus last season or the season before or both. I haven't checked to see what's going on now. I think their site stated a lack of managers as a reason for the hiatus.

Washington State has also had a league for a few years. They also took a break last season. They also have a travel team that goes to national/regional tourneys.

Cali has the Bay Area league and the Southern Cal league. They both have travel teams that go to tourneys.

PacWest is a new team that emerged at national/regional tourneys in 2006.

I'm not aware of Florida having any leagues currently, although they had some in the past. They do have a 2-3 teams that compete in tourneys.

We have 2 teams here in Detroit... The Detroit Danger and the Detroit Diesel. We play each other in the summer. We also play teams from Chicago, Toronto, South Bend, and have played teams from Cleveland, Akron, and Manitoba when they had teams. Many of us play in national and regional tourneys. Hopes are to create a local women's league. We just need to start working on doing it like Chicago and other areas have. I'm currently talking to people from Windsor, Ontario to try to get them involved with starting a women's team.

People have attempted to start women's teams/leagues in other areas like Minnesota, Texas, and Atlanta (as you know). It takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication (and money) to start a team and even more to start a league. Usually, when women's teams and leagues form, they are formed by individuals rather than by organizations such as adult baseball leagues and programs. Chicago was able to partner with their local league that's a part of the MSBL. We hope to do something similar in Detroit.

The East Coast is the hot bed of women's baseball in the U.S. currently.

Moving beyond the U.S. into Canada, the Toronto area has had women's baseball for younger girls for years, and they have added adult women's baseball. They have a really good system going. Other areas also have women's and girls' baseball.

[NotAboutEgo]

I would NEVER play any form of softball, even if women's baseball disappeared. I would play baseball in men's/coed leagues instead. I still wouldn't play softball, even if baseball disappeared completely. I don't like softball in the least.

[NotAboutEgo]

What leagues are active this year? (state and city)
What team/league have disbanded?
How many teams in your (or local) league?
How many games typically scheduled?

Lack of league in your area? If forced to, would you play softball with women only or in a co-ed team?

Only area I know with multiple teams in the league are Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, NYC tri state area, Central Florida, and the California league.

Other teams, from my understanding, are lone teams that travel to play with a nearby league. New Hampshire, Seattle, South Bend, and Detroit.

I may be wrong, and if so, let me know. Some teams/leagues took a leave of absence and disappeared and suddenly they were back. Others formed a league and went back to be the lone team and bounce back into a league.

Not sure where Philly stands, and I heard thru the grapevine that Hartford, CT was ready to join the east coast baseball world.

How about the Midwest? The north is accounted for and well represented. St Louis? Kansas City? Little Rock? OK City? Dallas? Houston? Denver?

Anyone know whatever happened to the Phoenix team? (I believed they played in Tempe)

The guy running the Phoenix team asked me to play for them in a tourney quite a few years ago, but I haven't heard from the team since. Don't know if they still exist.

Just about any area can have women's baseball. What I've found through my experiences is, it takes someone to get it started and to work hard at making it happen. It would be cool to see places like K.C., Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, Cinci, and beyond start teams.

[JeepingBaseball]

Atlanta was a complete bust, thanks to conservatives. Which is a shame, because I really saw it a perfect path towards Florida.

Giving my unpleasant experience in Atlanta, I'm weary and cautious about trying here in Dallas, although the women's football team here say they know plenty who want to play.

[captlid]

What were the factors that prevented a team/league from happening in Atlanta?

What do you mean by conservatives?

Please pm if its too sensitive to go into on the public board.

[NotAboutEgo]

Atlanta was a complete bust, thanks to conservatives. Which is a shame, because I really saw it a perfect path towards Florida.

Giving my unpleasant experience in Atlanta, I'm weary and cautious about trying here in Dallas, although the women's football team here say they know plenty who want to play.

I also saw that path toward Florida with the creation of the Atlanta league. It's too bad it didn't work out. That would be awesome if you can get something going in Dallas! Sounds like a great palce to play in cold months!

[JeepingBaseball]

What were the factors that prevented a team/league from happening in Atlanta?

What do you mean by conservatives?

Please pm if its too sensitive to go into on the public board.

women belong in the kitchen kind of crap and if you didnt do that, you had to be gay. Such ********.

[Baseball Mum]

Here in Sydney, NSW, Australia, we have a 3 grade, once a week comp which in the current season has 17 teams (6 in A grade, 5 in B, 6 in C). We are currently in our mid season break, due to Christmas. It's a fixture here - don't see it going away any time soon. Looks like the Victorians have a similar competition, with 23 teams in a 4 grade competition.

My daughters won't play softball (except on some occasions at school). They could always play baseball with the boys at school, and now that they're older, if women's wasn't available, one would play with men (does this concurrently with the women's), the other one wouldn't play at this stage.

[Baseball Mum]

women belong in the kitchen kind of crap and if you didnt do that, you had to be gay. Such ********.

BOY am I glad we don't have to put up with any of that garbage here.

[metfan13]

women belong in the kitchen kind of crap and if you didnt do that, you had to be gay. Such ********.

Are they only that way with women baseball players? because there are plenty of basketball and soccer teams.

[Baseball Mum]

We also have an under 14s comp that runs every fortnight or so through summer. They've also started taking the 14s and 16s girls once a year to meet with the other strong state (Victoria) and there is talk this year of getting yet another state involved as well. Women's baseball is growing in this country.

[JeepingBaseball]

Are they only that way with women baseball players? because there are plenty of basketball and soccer teams.

outside high school? not much

[NotAboutEgo]

Some people around here still have those archaic, stereotypical, discriminatory attitudes about baseball, but it's not the norm... except for if you bring up the subject of girls playing baseball in high school and beyond and playing in youth leagues past age 11 or 12.

I play baseball on women's teams and in women's tourneys, and I also play baseball with guys... at Detroit Tigers fantasy camp and in the summer with some of the camp group. I also have played on a men's team 4 years or so ago. Some of the guys in the men's league had attitudes about me playing, but most were cool about it... especially the guys on my team. I play just as well as they do, so they can't really say much about it.

As far as the fantasy camp, the guys are terrific. They treat me like everyone else and compliment me and the other ladies and are happy that we are part of the camp. I wouldn't keep going back if it wasn't that way. It's like a family.

As far as playing hockey (I play roller hockey and have played ice hockey in the past), those attitudes flare up in certain leagues. I played in a roller hockey league for 5 years, and some of the guys were complete asses, but most were cool about women playing. Most of the women who played there are awesome players. I played in another league in another city last winter, and I was the only female who ever played there. Most of the guys on other teams were good to me, but some of the guys on my team were asses. Some were cool. A few of them had a huge problem with me playing and treated me like crap. I love the man and lady who run the league, but I got sick and tired of the crap, so I left. I have better things to do with my time than to play in a league where I'm getting treated that way. I've found other leagues where the attitudes are different.

When I played ice hockey, guys called me and my teammates dykes. That just shows how insecure they are. In the coed soccer league I play in, there haven't been any negative attitudes or problems. The guys on my team are great, so it's a lot of fun. Perhaps people can embrace women playing soccer over other sports, because a lot of young girls are now playing it. With other sports, like baseball and football and sometimes hockey, people can't seem to leg go of their insecurities about it. It's time people learn to evolve beyond that crap. I find it to be completely pathetic.

[TonyK]

Here in Sydney, NSW, Australia, we have a 3 grade, once a week comp which in the current season has 17 teams (6 in A grade, 5 in B, 6 in C). We are currently in our mid season break, due to Christmas. It's a fixture here - don't see it going away any time soon. Looks like the Victorians have a similar competition, with 23 teams in a 4 grade competition.

My daughters won't play softball (except on some occasions at school). They could always play baseball with the boys at school, and now that they're older, if women's wasn't available, one would play with men (does this concurrently with the women's), the other one wouldn't play at this stage.

How warm is it in Sydney this week? Have you ever gone to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve?

What you are saying is exactly right. If girls have the choice to play baseball on their own, some of them will play it and some won't. The problem here is they are not even given that choice. This thread must seem ridiculous to you.

In my part of New York, plenty of high school girls play contact sports like lacrosse and ice hockey. Some of them earn scholarships to Division One colleges. I don't know of a single one of these girls that ever played baseball past little league. Some of them would have been very good ballplayers no doubt.

[captlid]

to say the least. Considering that Annie Oakley was one of the first celebrities in this country. And she did it strictly with her skill with a shotgun no less.

Ok yeh she wore a dress and all but still. Progress sure is slow.

[NotAboutEgo]

It's the ones who are most insecure with not having control over a situation that they feel uncomfortable about or who are insecure about non-related situations who continue to try and control and oppress. They are the ones who try to stand in the way and keep things the way they've been for so long. They are the ones who are so slow to change, if they ever change at all. It's those of us who are fed up with being told we can't do something that we have every right to do who have to knock down the walls of insecurity. Then, maybe the ones who are afraid to change will eventually see it. There's no other reason for someone being upset about a certain group of people having the right to do what others have the right to do. Rather than worrying about what others do, they need to take care of themselves and see who they are and what they are about to see if they need to grow. When spending so much time worrying about what others are doing and criticizing them, they are missing out on being able to focus on themselves and seeing where they can enhance and enrich themselves and their lives.

Control has absolutely no place in life, and that's proven over and over again when people are controlled in different ways and eventually rebel and fight for their freedom. Control is completely unnatural; therefore, there are huge problems when someone is being controlled.

It's time the human species move beyond its need for control and learn to live happier, more enriched lives by focusing on how they can enhance themselves and make things better for everyone.

[TonyK]

It's the ones who are most insecure with not having control over a situation that they feel uncomfortable about or who are insecure about non-related situations who continue to try and control and oppress. They are the ones who try to stand in the way and keep things the way they've been for so long. They are the ones who are so slow to change, if they ever change at all. It's those of us who are fed up with being told we can't do something that we have every right to do who have to knock down the walls of insecurity. Then, maybe the ones who are afraid to change will eventually see it. There's no other reason for someone being upset about a certain group of people having the right to do what others have the right to do. Rather than worrying about what others do, they need to take care of themselves and see who they are and what they are about to see if they need to grow. When spending so much time worrying about what others are doing and criticizing them, they are missing out on being able to focus on themselves and seeing where they can enhance and enrich themselves and their lives.

Very well said. It's all about change and who is for it and who is against it. I'll use my son's situation in high school as an example. His school has a girl's volleyball team and no boy's volleyball team. The only schools where boys can play HS volleyball in our area are the largest AA schools. So if he and some friends asked to form a boy's volleyball clubteam chances are they would get turned down. They would have to fight for this for two or three years and be willing to fork over some money.

Meanwhile our boys HS basketball team has been in the cellar for the last 4 or 5 seasons. Very few players want to play the sport anymore.

Thank goodness my son doesn't love volleyball!:happy:

[Baseball Mum]

How warm is it in Sydney this week? Have you ever gone to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve?

What you are saying is exactly right. If girls have the choice to play baseball on their own, some of them will play it and some won't. The problem here is they are not even given that choice. This thread must seem ridiculous to you.

In my part of New York, plenty of high school girls play contact sports like lacrosse and ice hockey. Some of them earn scholarships to Division One colleges. I don't know of a single one of these girls that ever played baseball past little league. Some of them would have been very good ballplayers no doubt.

Yes, the whole question does seem a bit ridiculous. When I first found this site I found it hard to believe that we were more open to girls playing this game than the States was. When we got into it, it was a sport that all of our kids could play, so they did. The numbers of girls did drop off at 12s when they went to live ball, but that was just individual choice, not because of any pressure from anyone.

When we tell people our daughter is in the state and national sides we do get some saying "you mean she plays softball", but that is from people who don't know the game. (Mind you, most of the population here doesn't know the game, so they just go on the few ideas they get from American films.) Anyone who does follow the game, knows that our women can play as far up the line as they can. This same daughter plays 3rd grade major league as well, and has held her own when she gets a run in 2nd grade. She does like it on the few occasions when in these games the men come in on her and she's been able to smack it over their heads. That's worth its weight in gold.

My best memory was one time she was fielding at first base and the ball was thrown short. She stretched and went for a lunge, and then lunged deeper to get the out. Everyone on the field just went "how did they get that? Ohhhh, that's the girl!!!!"

As to the weather, this week is pretty warm, though it's been a pretty mild summer so far. We haven't had anywhere near the number of days we normally have in the high 30s (90sF) and I don't think we've yet cracked what you call the 100. Very wet compared to the previous decade, which is WONDERFUL!!! Mind you, I'm sitting under the air conditioner as I type.

Yes, I've been to the NYE fireworks on many occasions. If any of you are planning a trip to Australia, that's one thing you should try to take in. Fabulous night!

[NotAboutEgo]

Very well said. It's all about change and who is for it and who is against it. I'll use my son's situation in high school as an example. His school has a girl's volleyball team and no boy's volleyball team. The only schools where boys can play HS volleyball in our area are the largest AA schools. So if he and some friends asked to form a boy's volleyball clubteam chances are they would get turned down. They would have to fight for this for two or three years and be willing to fork over some money.

Meanwhile our boys HS basketball team has been in the cellar for the last 4 or 5 seasons. Very few players want to play the sport anymore.

Thank goodness my son doesn't love volleyball!:happy:

I don't get why people just can't let go of their inhibitions, especially about sports. I don't understand why there isn't boys' volleyball in more schools. We have a men's national team that competes in the Olympics... why not have it everywhere else? It's no different than women being told they can't play baseball or football or whatever. When I was in high school, there was girls' volleyball but not boys' volleyball (it's still that way)... yet, in phys. ed. class, both genders played together. I don't get it!!!

The old, stoggy, stereotypes that have created gender segregation within sports still haven't died. In order to keep things moving forward, people need to keep working on breaking down the barriers.

[NotAboutEgo]

Yes, the whole question does seem a bit ridiculous. When I first found this site I found it hard to believe that we were more open to girls playing this game than the States was. When we got into it, it was a sport that all of our kids could play, so they did. The numbers of girls did drop off at 12s when they went to live ball, but that was just individual choice, not because of any pressure from anyone.

When we tell people our daughter is in the state and national sides we do get some saying "you mean she plays softball", but that is from people who don't know the game. (Mind you, most of the population here doesn't know the game, so they just go on the few ideas they get from American films.) Anyone who does follow the game, knows that our women can play as far up the line as they can. This same daughter plays 3rd grade major league as well, and has held her own when she gets a run in 2nd grade. She does like it on the few occasions when in these games the men come in on her and she's been able to smack it over their heads. That's worth its weight in gold.

My best memory was one time she was fielding at first base and the ball was thrown short. She stretched and went for a lunge, and then lunged deeper to get the out. Everyone on the field just went "how did they get that? Ohhhh, that's the girl!!!!"

As to the weather, this week is pretty warm, though it's been a pretty mild summer so far. We haven't had anywhere near the number of days we normally have in the high 30s (90sF) and I don't think we've yet cracked what you call the 100. Very wet compared to the previous decade, which is WONDERFUL!!! Mind you, I'm sitting under the air conditioner as I type.

Yes, I've been to the NYE fireworks on many occasions. If any of you are planning a trip to Australia, that's one thing you should try to take in. Fabulous night!

Sounds very nice! I'll be going to Florida in 2 weeks for fantasy camp... and I can't wait to be in the sun and hot weather and on the baseball field again! It's 38 here right now (that's farenheit)... so I'm ready for 80+.

[metfan13]

I don't get why people just can't let go of their inhibitions, especially about sports. I don't understand why there isn't boys' volleyball in more schools. We have a men's national team that competes in the Olympics... why not have it everywhere else? It's no different than women being told they can't play baseball or football or whatever. When I was in high school, there was girls' volleyball but not boys' volleyball (it's still that way)... yet, in phys. ed. class, both genders played together. I don't get it!!!

The old, stoggy, stereotypes that have created gender segregation within sports still haven't died. In order to keep things moving forward, people need to keep working on breaking down the barriers.

There are costs associated with having teams. There are limitations on the number of students who can/will participate when multiple sports happen at the same time. There are limitations on facilities.

It is sometimes something other than a conspiracy.

[NotAboutEgo]

There are costs associated with having teams. There are limitations on the number of students who can/will participate when multiple sports happen at the same time. There are limitations on facilities.

It is sometimes something other than a conspiracy.

That's true... but let's face it. Volleyball in high school is seen as a girls' sport, baseball and football are seen as boys' sports, gymnastics is seen as a girls' sports in most cases, hockey is still somewhat seen as a guys' sport, even though thousands of girls are playing it in high school and youth programs, and several colleges around the country have it, and we have women's national teams.

If it's a case where attempts at creating the same sports teams for both girls and boys failed because there weren't sufficient numbers to sustain a team in a sport for either gender, then that's the way it is. But, I don't see schools out there trying to create girls' baseball and football teams, there probably aren't many at this point creating boys' volleyball teams, etc. The stereotypes still exist in a big way, and that has been the biggest influence on what sports each gender plays today. There is plenty historical evidence of that... and just living within the culture tells one that.

The lack of girls' baseball and football programs isn't due to a lack of money or interest (I'm talking about all amateur leagues in general from school leagues to youth leagues outside of school). It's due to stereotypes and discrimination. I would have loved to have played organized football and baseball when growing up. When I was in grade school, my friends and I (girls and boys) played football together during recess, and we all got along doing it. My sister and I always played sports with neighborhood kids and with our cousins while growing up. I've been into sports my whole life.

If schools in general were interested in creating the teams for both genders in the same sports, girls' HS football and baseball would exist as well as sports for boys that currently don't exist. The main reason these things still haven't happened is because of the status quo. Comments from some people in this blog show that even further. There is plenty of historical evidence proving that women have been discriminated against in the sports world in a huge way, and boys are discriminated against to a lesser degree... but it still happens. When asking why there isn't this and why there isn't that, one should go to the source of how it all started to find the answer. If no one had ever been discriminated against, and the only reason for not having certain sports for each gender was because of a lack of funds, then we wouldn't be having these types of discussions. It would be plain and simple.

It's not always a case of no money being available. I bet that is the case only in few cases. It's a good way to make an excuse to not open the doors to the group that has been discriminated against, and in many cases, money is being mismanaged as to not allow one group the opportunities.

[NotAboutEgo]

There are costs associated with having teams. There are limitations on the number of students who can/will participate when multiple sports happen at the same time. There are limitations on facilities.

It is sometimes something other than a conspiracy.

That's true... but let's face it... gender discrimination plays a huge role in our society. Volleyball in high school is seen as a girls' sport, baseball and football are seen as boys' sports, gymnastics is seen as a girls' sports in most cases, hockey is still somewhat seen as a guys' sport, even though thousands of girls are playing it in high school and youth programs, and several colleges around the country have it, and we have women's national teams.

If it's a case where attempts at creating the same sports teams for both girls and boys failed because there weren't sufficient numbers to sustain a team in a sport for either gender, then that's the way it is. But, I don't see schools out there trying to create girls' baseball and football teams, there probably aren't many at this point creating boys' volleyball teams, etc. The stereotypes still exist in a big way, and that has been the biggest influence on what sports each gender plays today. There is plenty historical evidence of that... and just living within the culture tells one that.

The lack of girls' baseball and football programs isn't due to a lack of money or interest (I'm talking about all amateur leagues in general from school leagues to youth leagues outside of school). It's due to stereotypes and discrimination. I would have loved to have played organized football and baseball when growing up. When I was in grade school, my friends and I (girls and boys) played football together during recess, and we all got along doing it. My sister and I always played sports with neighborhood kids and with our cousins while growing up. I've been into sports my whole life.

If schools in general were interested in creating the teams for both genders in the same sports, girls' HS football and baseball would exist as well as sports for boys that currently don't exist. The main reason these things still haven't happened is because of the status quo. Comments from some people in this blog show that even further. There is plenty of historical evidence proving that women have been discriminated against in the sports world in a huge way, and boys are discriminated against to a lesser degree... but it still happens. When asking why there isn't this and why there isn't that, one should go to the source of how it all started to find the answer. If no one had ever been discriminated against, and the only reason for not having certain sports for each gender was because of a lack of funds, then we wouldn't be having these types of discussions. It would be plain and simple.

It's not always a case of no money being available. I bet that is the case only in few cases. It's a good way to make an excuse to not open the doors to the group that has been discriminated against, and in many cases, money is being mismanaged as to not allow one group the opportunities.

[metfan13]

That's true... but let's face it. Volleyball in high school is seen as a girls' sport, baseball and football are seen as boys' sports, gymnastics is seen as a girls' sports in most cases, hockey is still somewhat seen as a guys' sport, even though thousands of girls are playing it in high school and youth programs, and several colleges around the country have it, and we have women's national teams.

If it's a case where attempts at creating the same sports teams for both girls and boys failed because there weren't sufficient numbers to sustain a team in a sport for either gender, then that's the way it is. But, I don't see schools out there trying to create girls' baseball and football teams, there probably aren't many at this point creating boys' volleyball teams, etc. The stereotypes still exist in a big way, and that has been the biggest influence on what sports each gender plays today. There is plenty historical evidence of that... and just living within the culture tells one that.

The lack of girls' baseball and football programs isn't due to a lack of money or interest (I'm talking about all amateur leagues in general from school leagues to youth leagues outside of school). It's due to stereotypes and discrimination. I would have loved to have played organized football and baseball when growing up. When I was in grade school, my friends and I (girls and boys) played football together during recess, and we all got along doing it. My sister and I always played sports with neighborhood kids and with our cousins while growing up. I've been into sports my whole life.

If schools in general were interested in creating the teams for both genders in the same sports, girls' HS football and baseball would exist as well as sports for boys that currently don't exist. The main reason these things still haven't happened is because of the status quo. Comments from some people in this blog show that even further. There is plenty of historical evidence proving that women have been discriminated against in the sports world in a huge way, and boys are discriminated against to a lesser degree... but it still happens. When asking why there isn't this and why there isn't that, one should go to the source of how it all started to find the answer. If no one had ever been discriminated against, and the only reason for not having certain sports for each gender was because of a lack of funds, then we wouldn't be having these types of discussions. It would be plain and simple.

It's not always a case of no money being available. I bet that is the case only in few cases. It's a good way to make an excuse to not open the doors to the group that has been discriminated against, and in many cases, money is being mismanaged as to not allow one group the opportunities.

However, if a school started a girls football team, that would be a lot of athletes not available for other fall sports.

Impossible to know what kind of turnout there would be for a girls baseball or football team (plus you need other teams doing the same to have opponents) when many of those better girl athletes are committed to other sports. There are numbers issues.

[NotAboutEgo]

However, if a school started a girls football team, that would be a lot of athletes not available for other fall sports.

Impossible to know what kind of turnout there would be for a girls baseball or football team (plus you need other teams doing the same to have opponents) when many of those better girl athletes are committed to other sports. There are numbers issues.

It could affect it. No doubt, but the option should be there. To say that a school is not open to starting other sports programs for it students because of that is a cop out. What about the guys? They have football and other fall sports. Why would it be an issue only for the girls? I bet a lot of girls would go out for football in a lot of areas if it was offered. Some people play one sport only because the sport of their choice is not offered.

It should be up to each kid to decide what sport they want to play. To say that by creating a football program would take numbers away from other fall sports is weak, IMO. Why would it be wrong for a girl who is a really good athlete to go out for football over another sport? It's not the school's right to control what sport each athlete plays. It's no different than when schools started creating ice hockey programs for girls. I'm sure there were people who said the same thing... that by creating girls' ice hockey programs, it takes away numbers from other girls' sports. It's a very weak argument.

[JeepingBaseball]

in terms of high school, which seems to be the major issue in every thread... sometimes it is a budget thing, depending on location.

I was on the cross country and track and field in my high school back on long island, ny in the late 80's and early 90's. I had to pay to be a part of the team due to budget cuts scraping the whole entire athletic department. That affected every single sport, including mens baseball and football. In my case, we had to have fundraisers to pay for the cost of transportation with the district school buses, the cost of Invitations fees, and so forth. And it started the year I entered high school, and I dont know when, if ever, it ended. As far as our cross country team went, despite the budget, we were the top 5 teams on the island.

That being said, a lack of budget doesn't necessary means to cease to death. It can be done, and has. If you want it bad enough, there's a way to achieve it somehow.

Lets fast forward back to the topic of women's baseball....

The budget is a concern. Most teams that are formed are started on a wing and prayer. Every player pays her way. Have you seen the cost of baseball bats these days? One bat cost more than my truck insurance and electric bill together. These tournaments that women ballplayers go to, such as in place like Vegas, California, Detroit, Philly, Washington DC, NYC, and the end the season in FT Myers, FLorida.... it cost money to go there. There's airfare, car rental , gas, hotel, food, tournament fees, uniforms, ect., ect... costs. Most women on these teams have jobs, family, children, households to upkeep. That's a huge strain on our lives. If you're lucky, and I mean damn lucky, you'll have a sponsor who will cushion a bit of the cost.

That being said, a little more respect to the women who play the game out of passion, love, dreams, and dedication is deserved. We are constantly slammed down with such comments like "are you gay?", "dont you have a family to take care of?", "why bother? there will never be a WMLB", "like anyone is going to come see you play", "you're a joke, men are stronger", "There's no market, give it up", "wouldnt you rather spend your time finding the right guy, get married, and have babies?", "You're a women! Act like it!" and a million countless other comments like that.

Its disgusting. And says alot about the people who make such comments. There are hundreds of women who want to play baseball. So be it. Let them play. What's the big friggin deal??

[NotAboutEgo]

in terms of high school, which seems to be the major issue in every thread... sometimes it is a budget thing, depending on location.

I was on the cross country and track and field in my high school back on long island, ny in the late 80's and early 90's. I had to pay to be a part of the team due to budget cuts scraping the whole entire athletic department. That affected every single sport, including mens baseball and football. In my case, we had to have fundraisers to pay for the cost of transportation with the district school buses, the cost of Invitations fees, and so forth. And it started the year I entered high school, and I dont know when, if ever, it ended. As far as our cross country team went, despite the budget, we were the top 5 teams on the island.

That being said, a lack of budget doesn't necessary means to cease to death. It can be done, and has. If you want it bad enough, there's a way to achieve it somehow.

Lets fast forward back to the topic of women's baseball....

The budget is a concern. Most teams that are formed are started on a wing and prayer. Every player pays her way. Have you seen the cost of baseball bats these days? One bat cost more than my truck insurance and electric bill together. These tournaments that women ballplayers go to, such as in place like Vegas, California, Detroit, Philly, Washington DC, NYC, and the end the season in FT Myers, FLorida.... it cost money to go there. There's airfare, car rental , gas, hotel, food, tournament fees, uniforms, ect., ect... costs. Most women on these teams have jobs, family, children, households to upkeep. That's a huge strain on our lives. If you're lucky, and I mean damn lucky, you'll have a sponsor who will cushion a bit of the cost.

That being said, a little more respect to the women who play the game out of passion, love, dreams, and dedication is deserved. We are constantly slammed down with such comments like "are you gay?", "dont you have a family to take care of?", "why bother? there will never be a WMLB", "like anyone is going to come see you play", "you're a joke, men are stronger", "There's no market, give it up", "wouldnt you rather spend your time finding the right guy, get married, and have babies?", "You're a women! Act like it!" and a million countless other comments like that.

Its disgusting. And says alot about the people who make such comments. There are hundreds of women who want to play baseball. So be it. Let them play. What's the big friggin deal??

Yeah, I love the comments about women being home to take care of the family... like the men didn't have anything to do with that! Of course, the rest of the comments are just as lame.

[metfan13]

in terms of high school, which seems to be the major issue in every thread... sometimes it is a budget thing, depending on location.

I was on the cross country and track and field in my high school back on long island, ny in the late 80's and early 90's. I had to pay to be a part of the team due to budget cuts scraping the whole entire athletic department. That affected every single sport, including mens baseball and football. In my case, we had to have fundraisers to pay for the cost of transportation with the district school buses, the cost of Invitations fees, and so forth. And it started the year I entered high school, and I dont know when, if ever, it ended. As far as our cross country team went, despite the budget, we were the top 5 teams on the island.

That being said, a lack of budget doesn't necessary means to cease to death. It can be done, and has. If you want it bad enough, there's a way to achieve it somehow.

Lets fast forward back to the topic of women's baseball....

The budget is a concern. Most teams that are formed are started on a wing and prayer. Every player pays her way. Have you seen the cost of baseball bats these days? One bat cost more than my truck insurance and electric bill together. These tournaments that women ballplayers go to, such as in place like Vegas, California, Detroit, Philly, Washington DC, NYC, and the end the season in FT Myers, FLorida.... it cost money to go there. There's airfare, car rental , gas, hotel, food, tournament fees, uniforms, ect., ect... costs. Most women on these teams have jobs, family, children, households to upkeep. That's a huge strain on our lives. If you're lucky, and I mean damn lucky, you'll have a sponsor who will cushion a bit of the cost.

That being said, a little more respect to the women who play the game out of passion, love, dreams, and dedication is deserved. We are constantly slammed down with such comments like "are you gay?", "dont you have a family to take care of?", "why bother? there will never be a WMLB", "like anyone is going to come see you play", "you're a joke, men are stronger", "There's no market, give it up", "wouldnt you rather spend your time finding the right guy, get married, and have babies?", "You're a women! Act like it!" and a million countless other comments like that.

Its disgusting. And says alot about the people who make such comments. There are hundreds of women who want to play baseball. So be it. Let them play. What's the big friggin deal??

Don't disagree at all.

But to get back to the numbers issue, there are limitations to what a high school can reasonably offer. It's not like every sport boys might want to play is available either. Some areas have lacrosse teams, some don't. Same with field hockey (for anyone) and as we've seen in this thread boys volleyball. A chool simply can't be expected to provide every sport everyone may want to play. They have to make decisions and I don't think it's unrealistic to think that finding the dozens of girls necessary for a football team might be unrealistic.

Perhaps someone should start a Pop Warner type league to see what interest there is. Someone starts all these rec leagues girls and boys play in.

[Baseball Mum]

in terms of high school, which seems to be the major issue in every thread... sometimes it is a budget thing, depending on location.

The budget is a concern. Most teams that are formed are started on a wing and prayer. Every player pays her way. Have you seen the cost of baseball bats these days? One bat cost more than my truck insurance and electric bill together. These tournaments that women ballplayers go to, such as in place like Vegas, California, Detroit, Philly, Washington DC, NYC, and the end the season in FT Myers, FLorida.... it cost money to go there. There's airfare, car rental , gas, hotel, food, tournament fees, uniforms, ect., ect... costs. Most women on these teams have jobs, family, children, households to upkeep. That's a huge strain on our lives. If you're lucky, and I mean damn lucky, you'll have a sponsor who will cushion a bit of the cost.



We had a similar discussion to this the other day. We are used to paying the costs of a sporting tournament and everything that goes with it, and they can make a hefty dent in the family budget. (Before we started down this representative road, we thought that state and national teams would be sponsored. We learnt.)

In another sphere of endeavour, our son has been selected for a convention in the nation's capital. It's a government exercise with senior school kids. All his costs including airfare, accomodation and food will be paid for. We don't have a problem with either situation, but find the differences interesting.

[JeepingBaseball]

the budget you quoted for was women's adult baseball.

[Baseball Mum]

the budget you quoted for was women's adult baseball.

Sure, but our school sports situation is so different from yours (there's very little money for anything, so they're all about the same) that I can't really comment on that.

[captlid]

But I looked through year books from like twenty years ago for my high school and other high schools in the area and it seems like more sports were offered back in the day for both boys and girls.

I remember asking the AD why that was and he told me the school has enough funding for more sports but kids dont come out for them. Coaches didnt even utilize all the funding available to them.

Even when I was in high school in the late 90's, I remember that certain teams had a hard time filling their rosters. Especially wrestling, track and tennis. Even high school softball and baseball did not hold tryouts. This is in a school with 4000 students of all nationalities.

That being said, a little more respect to the women who play the game out of passion, love, dreams, and dedication is deserved. We are constantly slammed down with such comments like "are you gay?", "dont you have a family to take care of?", "why bother? there will never be a WMLB", "like anyone is going to come see you play", "you're a joke, men are stronger", "There's no market, give it up", "wouldnt you rather spend your time finding the right guy, get married, and have babies?", "You're a women! Act like it!" and a million countless other comments like that.

I would settle for no comments at all. Those comments especially hurt when they come from other women. :(

I play the game because I have a passion for it. That's the bottom line. I aint doing this to advance some feminist cause or to stick it to men. If I did not think baseball was fun I would find something that is fun.

[JeepingBaseball]

I would settle for no comments at all. Those comments especially hurt when they come from other women. :(



no joke there, its a double whammy

[captlid]

There are hundreds of women who want to play baseball. So be it. Let them play. What's the big friggin deal??

Lack of money. :( If I had 10k in money to blow, I wouldn't hesitate to buy some land and build a nice field on it with some batting cages next to it. Rent it out part time to leagues that want to hold tournaments on it (to keep it maintained and have funds for a women's league) and use it the rest of the time to build a league in the area.

Going to all these tournaments in far flung places takes too much time and too much money. Not practical for women with family obligations and jobs.

The national team is nice and all, but it does not expand the game for the rest of the folks who are not at that elite level. On top of the fact that whoever makes that team still has to pay their own way. Back to square one: lack of money.

I really think owning one's own facility would improve the success and life of a league. The pawtucket folks pretty much have their own ballfield to play on. A league does not have to beg the local parks dept for fields and be beholden to them when they decide to tell you one week before your season is supposed to start that "oh yeh you're scheduled for..." It would probably mitigate alot of the "conservatives" in your area too...

[NotAboutEgo]

I went to high school in the mid to late 80's, and we had around 500 kids total in our high school... roughly 120-130 kids per grade... 9-12. Sports are very popular there. A good percentage of the students play sports... and contrary to popular belief, most of the kids who played sports when I was in school got good grades. The school doesn't have as many sports as the city schools... no pool, no soccer, no tennis, no lacrosse, no ice hockey, no gymnastics, etc. It has the basic sports... baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, equestrian, golf. Just about every sport has tryouts, and there's never a lack of players as far as I know. I guess each school is a separate case.

When my mom was in school (in the early 60's), the only thing girls could do that even resembled sports was to be a cheerleader... that's it. Yet, there were several sports for the guys. My mom and other girls wanted to play sports, but they weren't allowed to. Cripe, they couldn't even wear jeans to school and had to fight to do that!

I also play baseball out of the passion for the game. I've always loved it and always wanted to play it. I hate softball with a passion and will never play it. My focus is not to be involved in a feminist movement through baseball, but if someone tries to stand in the way of me and other women and girls playing baseball without just cause, I won't put up with it... just as I won't put up with girls and women and other people being treated badly by someone else. I'm not the type tp sit around and watch it and complain about it... rather, I will help do something about it. When I created a women's hardball team for women to play on, all this anti-women playing crap started surfacing, and I won't put up with it. It's just plain ignorant and ridiculous.

[captlid]

I also play baseball out of the passion for the game. I've always loved it and always wanted to play it. I hate softball with a passion and will never play it.

Why do you hate softball so much?

[NotAboutEgo]

Why do you hate softball so much?

Because, it's a knock-off of baseball and I just don't like it. It's an aesthetic thing for me. Why should I play softball when I can play baseball? I especially can't stand slow pitch. It's so pointless to me... no leading off or stealing, no bunting, the ball is huge, the bases are so close together, most people just try to hit the ball over the fence, 4 outfielders, the ball is pitched slowly with an arch (doesn't make sense to hit a ball that's coming straight down), etc. It's such a low-level knock-off. I think it's a joke.

As far as fast pitch, it's not as bad as slow pitch, but it's still a knock-off, modified version of baseball. Again, I don't see the point of it when there's baseball.

[RightEGirl]

Sorry to go off-track of the current discussion, but returning to the thread's title of "2008 Season" --

I'm looking for a team to play with in the upcoming Roy Hobbs Vegas tournament. I hit .600 in the recent 2007 RH WWS, playing primarily SS, with some stints at 2b, 1b, and a little pitching (which I've been working on hard since October). I would prefer to play for a Women's team, but if that falls through, I'd be happy to play for a men's team in any league over 28.

Feel free to private message me for contact details if you're interested or if you have any leads for me! Thanks!

[JeepingBaseball]

Sorry to go off-track of the current discussion, but returning to the thread's title of "2008 Season" --

I'm looking for a team to play with in the upcoming Roy Hobbs Vegas tournament. I hit .600 in the recent 2007 RH WWS, playing primarily SS, with some stints at 2b, 1b, and a little pitching (which I've been working on hard since October). I would prefer to play for a Women's team, but if that falls through, I'd be happy to play for a men's team in any league over 28.

Feel free to private message me for contact details if you're interested or if you have any leads for me! Thanks!

What ever happened to the Washington Stars? They were a strong group back in 2003

[RightEGirl]

Hey there, JB!

I've talked recently with a member of the WA Stars, and they're still active, just not going to Vegas this year. I did find a team...YEA!.... I'll be with the Pac-West Wildcats (from Bend, OR), and am really looking forward to it. I had my first practice with my men's team last Staurday, and it was great... Lots of live BP -- about 150 swings or so.
How are things for you?

Best,

Tiff

[JeepingBaseball]

Do you know if the Stars are based out of Seattle? And good luck with the pac west! Glad you found a team! I played against them a few years back in Ft. Myers. Nice group!

Things are going okay with me these days :)

I will have a major announcement involving women's baseball very soon!

(yes, i have no shame in the intended suspense lol)

[LadyMarlin71]

I would love to go to Vegas to play but the bank account won't allow it. I'm hoping that I could go to Baltimore in May for the Diamond Classic, but I'm running out of vacation days.

[JeepingBaseball]

I would love to go to Vegas to play but the bank account won't allow it.

I have the very same issue

[LadyMarlin71]

Too many things I want to do, and not enough money to do them with. :twocents:

[RightEGirl]

Hi All,

Some bad news I just found out.... Vegas is CANCELLED for the Women's Division. Apparently not enough teams could make it. I'm REALLY bummed, as not only did I get the time off and already have my plane tickets (which are non-refundable, of course), but I've been training my butt off getting ready. Now, I'm not likely to be able to get time off for the EWBC tourney in May. I'm planning on Kenosha, though, but that's not until Jully!!! Guess I NEED A TEAM, again, as Pac-West is not going. I love playing in hte men's league here, but as some of you know, it's not quite the same.

JB, the suspense is killing me! I want to hear that major announcement!!! :)
Oh...and yes, The WA Stars are based out of Seattle.

Okay, all..if you hear of anyone looking for a player, let me know, okay?

Thanks,

Tiff

[JeepingBaseball]

Hi All,

Some bad news I just found out.... Vegas is CANCELLED for the Women's Division. Apparently not enough teams could make it. I'm REALLY bummed, as not only did I get the time off and already have my plane tickets (which are non-refundable, of course), but I've been training my butt off getting ready. Now, I'm not likely to be able to get time off for the EWBC tourney in May. I'm planning on Kenosha, though, but that's not until Jully!!! Guess I NEED A TEAM, again, as Pac-West is not going. I love playing in hte men's league here, but as some of you know, it's not quite the same.

JB, the suspense is killing me! I want to hear that major announcement!!! :)
Oh...and yes, The WA Stars are based out of Seattle.

Okay, all..if you hear of anyone looking for a player, let me know, okay?

Thanks,

Tiff

Hey Tiff

I just heard about Vegas today. That really sucks. But I dont think you're the only one who bought plane tickets (non refundable of course). You should call up Pac West and find out who's still has to go and some of the other teams. I'm sure there will be enough to field two teams and have a sandlot game. Hey, better than nothing right?

And for a team looking for players... might want to contact the Southern California league... their tourney team Sabres been around for a while, but I believe this year they added a new tourney team called the Bandits. One team is based out of Los Angeles and the other is based out of San Diego. Melanie, I believe, operates these teams. She might be able to point you in the right direction or keep your name on the list for future events.

GOOD LUCK!!

And you will have to just wait a little while longer for my news ;)

[RightEGirl]

Hey JB,

Great idea about going to Vegas anyway. One of my teammates on Pac-West suggested the same thing...that we try to get some games together, and if not, then just practice. She and I are both trying to make the NT, so it's important that we get game time and practice before Kenosha.

Everyone: Anybody interested in going to Vegas for some spring training round-robin games??? Most of us were set to be there April 10th or 11th through the 14th. Soooo...if you already have your ticket and still want to go, maybe we can get a field or two and some umpires and just DO IT! Then we can have a great time in Vegas in the evenings! Sounds fun, huh? I'm sure we'd all have to chip in for fields and umps, but I'm sure it would be cheaper than out tournament fees were going to be. Just a thought...Let me know ASAP!

JB: Yeah, I know a little about the Sabres from last year's WWS in Ft.Myers (Great team), but I didn't know about the Bandits other than a mention on the SoCal website. I know a couple of girls who played on the Sabres, and I played with one in Hong Kong recently, so that may be an option also. I think we're going to try to get a team together though, maybe made up of WA Stars, Pac-West, etc. to go to Kenosha. If WA Stars are going though by themselves, that would be a great option for me as they're just across the state from me. I'll be e-mailing them today, but if anyone here knows the scoop, let me know...

Hey...any HINTS about your big announcement? If it involves a touring team like the Silver Bullets, of the formation of a Women's Pro League...I'm your girl! *smile* I definitely would want a tryout! :gt:dance

Best,

Tiff

[NotAboutEgo]

Who's putting on the Kenosha tourney... Glennie? And, when in July is it?

The Danger usually can't make it to the Vegas tourney, because it's too early for us. Since we can't play outside in the winter, we aren't ready until the end of May. I wouldn't want to go to a tourney after just practicing indoors all winter and not having any field time before going. It makes it tough.

This year's Can-Am tourney is in South Bend, Indiana June 27-29... if anyone is interested in playing in it. We probably can use extra players in that... especially if you're a pitcher and an outfielder.

[JeepingBaseball]

NAE: Let me know about Indiana... I may be available to play for whoever needs a medicore player. You seen me play, so you know my level.

My news bombed on me thanks to Roy Hobbs schedule change. The news was that I was throwing a charity marathon game to benefit a local breast cancer foundation at LaGraves Field sandwiched between downtown Ft. Worth and the Stockyards. It's a nice historical stadium with a rich history and for a worthy cause. It was basically a 12hr marathon game to raise money.

The event is now placed on the back burner till another date can be worked out. October 4th was the latest I could use the field, and September is out because of all the women's league championships and holiday tournaments will not allow me to recruit the number of players I needed in addition to the financial hardship it would have caused for players traveling to labor day tourney and roy hobbs within a month. Sure I could still run it anyways, but it wouldn't be fair. The women's baseball community as a whole is a pretty tight knit group with good hearted intentions, and I wanted to make it a community affair. It'll happen. Just have to figure out when.

Now that spring has arrived...

and bring this back to the original post...

What is the status for 2008 season? Who's in, who's out?

(for some reason... this section of baseball fever has practically become a ghost town lately)

[NotAboutEgo]

JB... I'll definitely let you know about Indiana when I hear anything. As of now, I've only heard about when it is. I did talk with John Kovach, and he just gave me a few details about the location and dates. I won't know if we need players till closer to the date. It will depend on if some of them can't go. We'll see.

That's too bad about the date conflict of the women's national championship and your marathon game. I was surprised to see them change it. I can understand the reasoning behind it, but I was surprised.

Even if you have to hold off until next spring or summer on it, it wouldn't be so bad. Would the game be on a weekend... like on a Saturday? If it's this year, I would be able to make it only if it was. I only have a few vacation days left for this year.

Please keep us updated on the status.

[NotAboutEgo]

About this section of the forum being a ghost town, I've been so busy lately with work and other things... but things are calming down. I now have someone who is sincere about helping me with the team. She has a lot of initiative to get things going, and it's a huge help to me. There are very few people out there who are like that. Most people just want things for themselves and don't have any interest in helping out at all.

There's a special sports show on Fox Sports Detroit tonight (not sure if it's on other Fox Sports networks) about great sports feats that are unknown. One story they will have is about Jackie Mitchell. I'll report on what the show says.

[Baseball Mum]

She and I are both trying to make the NT, so it's important that we get game time and practice before Kenosha.



Could someone tell me about Kenosha please? We're trying to see if we send our daughter. (There's an Australian team coming.) Of course there're a whole lot of things to consider, but some information from "on the ground" so to speak would be useful in helping us to make a decision. Not actually sure what I want you to tell me, just after anecdotal stories I guess.

Thanks

[NotAboutEgo]

Could someone tell me about Kenosha please? We're trying to see if we send our daughter. (There's an Australian team coming.) Of course there're a whole lot of things to consider, but some information from "on the ground" so to speak would be useful in helping us to make a decision. Not actually sure what I want you to tell me, just after anecdotal stories I guess.

Thanks

This is the only thing I found about Kenosha (from www.awbf.org)...

"USA Baseball will scout the All-American Girls Baseball Classic in Kenosha, WI on July 4-6 to identify players for the 2008 women's national team. This is an invitational tournament and there will not be an open registration.

Interested elite level players may have their names put on a tournament team placement list by contacting us."

[JeepingBaseball]

JB... I'll definitely let you know about Indiana when I hear anything. As of now, I've only heard about when it is. I did talk with John Kovach, and he just gave me a few details about the location and dates. I won't know if we need players till closer to the date. It will depend on if some of them can't go. We'll see.

That's too bad about the date conflict of the women's national championship and your marathon game. I was surprised to see them change it. I can understand the reasoning behind it, but I was surprised.

Even if you have to hold off until next spring or summer on it, it wouldn't be so bad. Would the game be on a weekend... like on a Saturday? If it's this year, I would be able to make it only if it was. I only have a few vacation days left for this year.

Please keep us updated on the status.

Looks like I will have to hold it off till next year. I tried in vain for this fall, but there's a 5k difference in a simple date change at this stadium. I can only do so much financially. While I have opened an account for "Women's Baseball Charity Foundation", nothing is being donated in because it's not yet a 501c yet, and I'm told will take 27 months. 55 players donating 100 bucks, will still be shy of event set up cost (stadium, umps, the lights alone are $250 an hour, ground crew, uniform tops, hats, ect, ect). To date I have not found a major sponsor yet. Charity is much harder on this side of the table.

And yes, it was going to a weekend thing.

I have one last option to explore and it's the brand new stadium in Grand Prairie for the Airhogs. Only thing I dont like about it is the fact it's in the middle of nowhere, unlike LaGraves Field. There there are more things to do than you can shake a stick at and the hotel was right there in Ft Worth. But I would imagine I will be told the same thing as LaGraves Field.

[RightEGirl]

This is the only thing I found about Kenosha (from www.awbf.org)...

"USA Baseball will scout the All-American Girls Baseball Classic in Kenosha, WI on July 4-6 to identify players for the 2008 women's national team. This is an invitational tournament and there will not be an open registration.

Interested elite level players may have their names put on a tournament team placement list by contacting us."

Could someone tell me about Kenosha please? We're trying to see if we send our daughter. (There's an Australian team coming.) Of course there're a whole lot of things to consider, but some information from "on the ground" so to speak would be useful in helping us to make a decision. Not actually sure what I want you to tell me, just after anecdotal stories I guess.

Thanks


Hi BM and NAE,

Sorry to say I have nothing to add yet about Kenosha. In fact, BM, that was the first I'd heard of an Aussie team coming! Is it Rob's and Gossy's team again? Hope so! They were a lot of fun and had some great players in Hong Kong. I honestly have no idea of how this is set up at the moment. I don't know if it's a few select teams like the Red Sox, the Pride, and the Sabres, or if there are other teams...or if they're doing it like USA Softball has done... with a number of players assigned to teams called "Red," "White" and "Blue" who play each other to test out the top talent. I hope I'll be invited. Last year at the RH WWS, Jim Glennie told me he'd make sure to let me know when and where tryouts were. Since then, I've "registered" with the AWBF as an "interested" elite player, but haven't heard anything yet. I think there may be some "behind the scenes" things going on with organization, but I have absolutely ZERO information, so it's just a guess, and an UN-educated one at that.

In the meantime, I got drafted by a team in our MABL 18+ league and have been invited to play in Baltimore and also for a practice game over in Seattle, so I'm definitely gearing up! : )

Hope all is well in Michigan and "Down Under."

Best,

Tiff

[Baseball Mum]

It would appear that I know more than you then, as our invitiation letter gives more info than that, but I don't know that I should say what's in it if you guys haven't been told. I hope I haven't already said too much. Not that there's anything secretive here, I just don't want to step on any toes.

We've made a decision and it looks like our daughter will be coming over, so that's exciting. Now for the fundraising ....

[RightEGirl]

Hi again, BM.

Well...I'm glad for the Aussies and your daughter, but not knowing as much as you do leaves me puzzled and maybe a little bit frustrated. I hope we all find something out soon. I'd sure like to know what's in that invitation letter, but I respect your desire for confidentiality.

Best of luck,

[NotAboutEgo]

I don't plan to go to Kenosha, because my team most likely will be playing in this year's Can-Am tourney in South Bend... and the Kenosha tourney falls just after that. They are too close in date to each other. Also, I'm planning on going on a non-baseball trip for the 4th, and I most likely will be playing in the D.C. tourney this year that's over Memorial Day Weekend.

[NotAboutEgo]

Looks like I will have to hold it off till next year. I tried in vain for this fall, but there's a 5k difference in a simple date change at this stadium. I can only do so much financially. While I have opened an account for "Women's Baseball Charity Foundation", nothing is being donated in because it's not yet a 501c yet, and I'm told will take 27 months. 55 players donating 100 bucks, will still be shy of event set up cost (stadium, umps, the lights alone are $250 an hour, ground crew, uniform tops, hats, ect, ect). To date I have not found a major sponsor yet. Charity is much harder on this side of the table.

And yes, it was going to a weekend thing.

I have one last option to explore and it's the brand new stadium in Grand Prairie for the Airhogs. Only thing I dont like about it is the fact it's in the middle of nowhere, unlike LaGraves Field. There there are more things to do than you can shake a stick at and the hotel was right there in Ft Worth. But I would imagine I will be told the same thing as LaGraves Field.

Would either of the minor league teams be open to donating some money for this? It seems that some minor league teams are more open to helping with things like this than most MLB teams are. Have you tried sending an e-mail out to the women's baseball world to see if anyone can come up with sponsors? I know it's still a hard road, but it's possible that someone may come along who'd want to help.

[JeepingBaseball]

The guy at LaGraves field gave a me a small discount and prefers I used an organization for the charity that the team supports, which I already had and it was just happenstance that they were a big supporter as well. But just looked at me and offered nothing.

It was a very awkward moment.

[NotAboutEgo]

The guy at LaGraves field gave a me a small discount and prefers I used an organization for the charity that the team supports, which I already had and it was just happenstance that they were a big supporter as well. But just looked at me and offered nothing.

It was a very awkward moment.

Of course, they'll ask you to give them something (donate to one of their charities) but will offer you nothing. Very typical.

The good thing is, there's time to prepare and plan, so maybe we can come up with something.

[TheJourneyman]

Looks like I will have to hold it off till next year. I tried in vain for this fall, but there's a 5k difference in a simple date change at this stadium. I can only do so much financially. While I have opened an account for "Women's Baseball Charity Foundation", nothing is being donated in because it's not yet a 501c yet, and I'm told will take 27 months. 55 players donating 100 bucks, will still be shy of event set up cost (stadium, umps, the lights alone are $250 an hour, ground crew, uniform tops, hats, ect, ect). To date I have not found a major sponsor yet. Charity is much harder on this side of the table.

And yes, it was going to a weekend thing.

I have one last option to explore and it's the brand new stadium in Grand Prairie for the Airhogs. Only thing I dont like about it is the fact it's in the middle of nowhere, unlike LaGraves Field. There there are more things to do than you can shake a stick at and the hotel was right there in Ft Worth. But I would imagine I will be told the same thing as LaGraves Field.

The Airhogs stadium will be nice and there are a lot of things right around the park since Arlington is right there. I'll keep an eye on this form as I would love to see this game happen and would definately attend since I am so close to either Ft. Worth or Grand Prairie.

GL
TJM

[JeepingBaseball]

The Airhogs stadium will be nice and there are a lot of things right around the park since Arlington is right there. I'll keep an eye on this form as I would love to see this game happen and would definately attend since I am so close to either Ft. Worth or Grand Prairie.

GL
TJM

We're neighbors then! :)

I'm now working for the Airhogs, and the stadium is looking nice. Probably one of the smallest of stadiums I have seen so far. Will be talking to them about women's baseball as soon as Opening Day (May 16th) madness calms down and all the dust settles.