2008 Women's Baseball 101

[LadyMarlin71]

Tickets are sold out!

It's getting to be that time again when women can take the field at a Major League ballpark. This is what I found on the Phillies website:

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ticketing/clinic.jsp

Phillies Baseball 101 for Women
Clinic and Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14 - Benefiting Phillies Charities, Inc.

Tickets on Sale late February!
Here's your chance to take part in Phillies Baseball 101, an interactive and educational event exclusively for women 18 and over! This day long event features activities on and off the field, where participants learn the fundamentals of baseball from Phillies coaches, sports broadcasters, general management and even a player. For the past two years, the event has sold out - be sure to register in late February

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLUS EXTENDED DAY OPTION! Extend your day with the option to attend an exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet, special pre-game festivities and a ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves game

WHERE:
Citizens Bank Park; Diamond Club and on the field

REGISTRATION FEE(proceeds benefit Phillies Charities, Inc.):
OPTION 1: $110 (Clinic & Luncheon Only) or
OPTION 2: $150 (Clinic & Luncheon plus an exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet, special pre-game festivities and a ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves game)

THE LINEUP:
OPTION 1:
• Take part in an interactive clinic taught by the Phillies coaches! Includes on-field stations featuring proper baseball techniques and skills.
• Access behind the scenes locations such as the Phillies Batting Cages and bullpens.
• Get the inside scoop from NBC 10 sports anchor John Clark and Daily News Live host Michael Barkann as they speak on their experiences covering Phillies baseball.
• Participate in a Q&A session with a Phillies player and a Phillies executive.
• Learn how to make famous game calls from Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy.
• Find out how the team travels with Frank Coppenbarger, Director of Team Travel & Equipment.
• Special appearances by the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls and other Phillies guests.
• All participants receive an exclusive Baseball 101 T-shirt, and a Photo CD featuring your team photo on the field.
• Plus a silent auction and raffle, lunch in the Diamond Club and more!

OPTION 2:
• Includes all benefits in Option 1 plus:
• Special pregame festivities including a Phillies Meet & Greet and a Baseball 101 party on the Phillies Suite Patio
• Exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet
• A ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves game
• Chance to participate in a special on-field pregame check presentation (participants selected by drawing that day)

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Phillies baseball. Space is limited so be sure to register in late February. For more info e-mail baseball101@phillies.com.

I'm already checking for flights!

:baseball:

[LadyMarlin71]

From the LA Dodgers website: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/adult_baseball_camp.jsp

7th Annual Los Angeles Dodgers Ladies Spring Training Clinic

When: Monday, March 10, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., registration begins at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Holman Stadium, Vero Beach, FL
Cost: $45 per participant with proceeds to benefit a local charity

Ladies receive hands-on, expert instruction from Dodger players and coaches, as well as a Clinic t-shirt, hat, free ticket to a Dodgers spring training game, a goody bag and a catered post-clinic meal

Call (772) 299-6727 for more information.

[LadyMarlin71]

Just got back from the LA Dodgers Ladies Spring Training Clinic and I had a blast! I got an autograph and a hug from Hall-of-Famer Tommy Lasorda and an autograph, picture and a "high-five" from Dodger legend Maury Wills. We had 5 groups and we rotated through the pitching, hitting, fielding, baserunning and Q & A stations. I won a prize for "Stumping the Pros" with a question that no one had the answer to.

I injured my thumb at the hitting station. The only regret I have is that I didn't get to meet Manny Mota.

We got a hat, t-shirt, voucher for a free ticket to a Spring Training game, car decal, a lanyard and a magazine. After the clinic we had a catered barbeque dinner. Then I had a two-hour drive home.

Kim

[JeepingBaseball]

Sounds like a good time!

What baseball team do you play on? The Heat or the Crush?

[LadyMarlin71]

Sounds like a good time!

What baseball team do you play on? The Heat or the Crush?

The Heat. Where do you play?

[JeepingBaseball]

I'm currently a player without a home. There's not one single womens team or league in the largest state of the union of Texas. Blows my mind.

Used to play for New York, and played against the Heat as a guest of the Chicago Gems in 2006

[LadyMarlin71]

I'm currently a player without a home. There's not one single womens team or league in the largest state of the union of Texas. Blows my mind.

Are you going to try to get something started there? I know Atlanta was a bust. Hopefully you will have a better chance in Texas.

[LadyMarlin71]

Too bad you didn't move to FL. We would love to have you.

[JeepingBaseball]

Are you going to try to get something started there? I know Atlanta was a bust. Hopefully you will have a better chance in Texas.

I have a little project in the works and I will announce it as soon as it becomes official :D

[LadyMarlin71]

Cool! Looking forward to it.

[JeepingBaseball]

Too bad you didn't move to FL. We would love to have you.

You can bet your bottom dollar that the next state I move to, will have a baseball team/league! Should have learned my lesson the 1st time around! Or stayed in New York...

[LadyMarlin71]

What do you do for a living, if you don't mind my asking?

[JeepingBaseball]

What do you do for a living, if you don't mind my asking?

Just about everything. You name it, I've probably done it.

Besides my secret project right now, I'm awaiting callbacks from a few independent league teams (Airhogs, and Cats) and the Texas Rangers.

[NotAboutEgo]

I have a little project in the works and I will announce it as soon as it becomes official :D

Can't wait to hear what your project is! :crossfingers: :cap:

[JeepingBaseball]

(got this email today. Notice they changed it from a women's clinic to just clinic, but still supporting a women's charity. Hmmm, tsk tsk... shoulda, woulda, coulda hired me as suggested but nooooooooooo.

Braves under new ownership and already destroying everything about themselves. If the new owners keep it up, they will drives the Braves right out that city.

Netherless... here's the email)





Mark your calendar – the annual Atlanta Braves Baseball 101 Clinic presented by Publix is right around the corner!

The 2008 clinic will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Turner Field. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a clinic led by Braves players and take part in a panel discussion on topics such as scouting, player development, nutrition, fitness and the nuances of baseball. The event also includes a luncheon, an exclusive tour of Turner Field and two tickets to that evening’s Braves game (additional tickets for family/friends are available for purchase as well). All participants will receive a t-shirt and gift bag with an autographed item, and proceeds from the event will benefit a local women’s charity and the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

The cost of the event is:

* $75 for the Upper Pavilion Package (game tickets located in upper pavilion; additional tickets are $6)
* $109 for the Outfield Package (game tickets located in the outfield; additional tickets $23).

Online registration will be available beginning on Tuesday, April 15 by visiting www.braves.com/baseball101.


Should you require any additional information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (404) 614-1435.


Thank you for your support of the Atlanta Braves, and we look forward to seeing you at Baseball 101!

[LadyMarlin71]

This is an old news article, but another example of why we can't get anywhere in baseball.

http://www.procopio.com/about/news_details.cfm?id=95

Getting Bent Over Gender

Los Angeles Times

May 16, 2006

A San Diego attorney has filed suits targeting ballpark promotions aimed at specific groups. Some say he's misusing a state civil rights act.

By Greg Johnson and Dave McKibben
Times Staff Writers

Is Alfred Rava the Grinch who would steal Mother's Day?

Even as major league baseball players hefted pink bats during games Sunday to draw attention to breast cancer research, the San Diego-based attorney was trying to stop teams from using tote bags and other inexpensive swag to persuade mothers to spend part of their day at the ballpark.

The civil lawsuits Rava has filed against the Angels, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics are among more than 40 legal actions he has brought under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical conditions, marital status and sexual orientation.

In the past, Rava has targeted bars that dangled cheap drinks and cut-rate admission on "ladies nights." He also has sued nonprofit cultural organizations in San Diego that offered discounted tickets to certain demographic groups.

Rava said he first considered suing a baseball team after being denied a "reversible bucket hat" at an A's game on Mother's Day in 2004. "I was shocked that a seemingly sophisticated business in the 21st century would treat customers differently based on their sex," Rava said.

Some attorneys believe that Rava is misusing the Unruh Act by filing nuisance lawsuits and then seeking financial settlements out of court.

Rava insists that isn't the case — though he acknowledges that the Mother's Day promotions he is contesting in California probably would be legal in states that lack Unruh-type protections.

Though spokesmen for the three franchises and Major League Baseball declined to comment on specifics of the lawsuits, Rava clearly has the league's attention.

After being hit last week with Rava's lawsuit challenging the legality of their 2005 Mother's Day promotion, the Angels agreed to make totes available Sunday to the first 25,000 adult fans, regardless of their gender or whether they had children.

Similarly, after being sued last week for a 2004 Mother's Day promotion, the A's agreed to let men attend a "Baseball 101" program that previously had been marketed exclusively to women.

And the Padres no longer market a women-only baseball clinic after settling a suit filed by Rava last year, said Jeff Overton, the club's executive vice president of business operations.

The Dodgers continue to offer gender-specific promotions, such as a June 18 "Father's Day Catch" on the field and a July 29 Smashbox Cosmetics giveaway, but have not been sued by Rava — perhaps because team officials say moms won't be kept off the field and men can, if they wish, try to snare some lipstick.

Word of the MLB lawsuits — which sparked intense discussion on sports talk radio — didn't surprise some who previously had been sued by Rava.

Orange County bar owner Carl Leslie's first thought after hearing of the Angels lawsuit was, "Could this be the same guy who came after me?" Leslie settled a 2004 lawsuit brought by Rava over a "ladies night" promotion at his bar rather than wage an expensive court battle.

Rava has reached several out-of-court settlements, including a 2003 agreement in which seven San Diego bar owners paid him $125,000. He's also lost some court cases.

Evelyn F. Heidelberg, an attorney who successfully defended San Diego's City Ballet organization against a 2005 lawsuit filed by Rava, suggested that the attorney seems to be carving out "a little niche" in the legal world.

Rava had sued the nonprofit group for offering cheap tickets designed to attract young families that generally don't attend ballet performances.

"In my view, he's abusing the Unruh Act," Heidelberg said. "I was glad to be able to stop him down here."

In interviews and e-mails, Rava referred to the big league giveaways as "sex discrimination on steroids" and compared them to "having an Easter Day promotion and giving chocolate Easter bunnies to everybody except Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims."

The Unruh Act offers consumers protection against arbitrary or intentional discrimination, said USC law professor David B. Cruz. The act prohibits businesses from linking their pricing to a customer's race, sex or marital status. For example, the California Supreme Court upheld a ruling that found a car wash operator guilty of discrimination for offering women cheaper rates than men could get.

The act doesn't specifically address giveaways, Cruz said, so a court eventually would have to determine whether a gender-specific offer of a tote bag or a hat represents an illegal business practice.

The court also would have to determine if male fans who didn't get a hat or tote qualified for damages — a not insignificant matter given Rava's claim that the baseball teams and their corporate sponsors should be on the hook for tens of millions in damages.

Lawsuits that seek to limit how companies promote themselves are of significant interest to the $400-billion promotions industry.

"If your object as a company is to increase your market share in a particular [demographic] segment, you're going to do things that are relevant to that particular market," said Claire Rosenzweig, president of the New York-based Promotion Marketing Assn.

"And platforms like sports teams are great ones because the consumers are already in the park. You're reaching them through something they really enjoy."

Given that the Angels, A's and Padres seem to be opening their promotions to all fans, hasn't Rava gotten what he and his clients wanted?

"We got one good result [in that] they stopped doing it," Rava said. "But that doesn't address the other remedy. We want the statuary damages for discriminating based on sex."

Oddly enough, the Angels' planned tote bag distribution on Sunday failed to materialize because the bags that were being shipped from an overseas manufacturer didn't arrive in time. Moms, dads and others who wanted a tote instead got vouchers that can be redeemed at a later date.

FOR THE RECORD:
Baseball promotions:— An article in Tuesday's Sports section about the legality of some promotions sponsored by professional baseball teams incorrectly stated that Alfred Rava sued the nonprofit City Ballet of San Diego. The attorney sued Spreckels Theater and Theatrical Enterprises Inc., which own the venue where the ballet performs. The article also said that Rava reached an out-of-court settlement in a discrimination lawsuit involving several San Diego-area bar owners. The settlement was reached during the court proceeding."

I wondered why the Padres stopped having their women's clinics. Guess that answers that question.

Since he likes frivolous lawsuits, maybe we should file one against him for being a man.

[Baseball Mum]

Oh ... good ... grief!

[JeepingBaseball]

He should be shot... heard round the world....

[LadyMarlin71]

From the Nationals website: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/community/calendar.jsp


Baseball 101: Women's' Clinic - June 28
Many women play softball and many women have sons or daughters that play baseball or softball. This clinic, run by our coaching staff, enable the Ladies in attendance to strengthen their skills and teach them about the game of baseball so they can better relate to their children's activity and increase their knowledge of the game they love!

The fee of $85 includes the 2 hour clinic, T-shirt and lunch at the stadium along with a Q&A session with celebrity guests.

[LadyMarlin71]

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ticketing/clinic.jsp

Phillies Baseball 101 for Women
Clinic and Luncheon on Tuesday, August 26 - Benefiting Phillies Charities, Inc.

Each of the past four Baseball 101 events has sold out... and now here's your chance to join the fun! This day long event features an interactive, on-field clinic with the Phillies coaches... behind-the-scenes sessions with local media, a Phillies player, broadcaster and key personnel... a luncheon... and more! Limited to 130 attendees. If you have any questions about the event, please e-mail baseball101@phillies.com.

Tickets go on sale Monday, May 19!

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLUS EXTENDED DAY OPTION! Extend your day with the option to attend an exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet, special pre-game festivities and a ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. New York Mets game

WHERE:
Citizens Bank Park; Diamond Club and on the field

REGISTRATION FEE(proceeds benefit Phillies Charities, Inc.):
OPTION 1: $120 (Clinic & Luncheon Only) or
OPTION 2: $160 (Clinic & Luncheon plus an exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet, special pre-game festivities and a ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. New York Mets game)

THE LINEUP:
OPTION 1:
• Take part in an interactive clinic taught by the Phillies coaches! Includes on-field stations featuring proper baseball techniques and skills.
• Access behind the scenes locations such as the Phillies Batting Cages and bullpens.
• Get the inside scoop from a broadcaster, media celebrities and Phillies personnel.
• Participate in a Q&A session with a Phillies player and a Phillies executive.
• Special appearances by the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls and other Phillies guests.
• All participants receive an exclusive Baseball 101 T-shirt, and a Photo CD featuring your team photo on the field.
• Plus a silent auction and raffle, lunch in the Diamond Club and more!

OPTION 2:
• Includes all benefits in Option 1 plus:
• Special pregame festivities including a Phillies Meet & Greet and a Baseball 101 party on the Phillies Suite Patio
• Exclusive Baseball 101 dinner buffet
• A ticket to that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies vs. New York Mets game
• Chance to participate in a special on-field pregame check presentation (participants selected by drawing that day)

[LadyMarlin71]

From the LA Dodgers website:
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/win/events.jsp

Dodgers Women's Initiatives Network (WIN) Presents:
PLAY TO WIN
An event benefiting ThinkCure!

On Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Dodgers Women's Initiatives Network (WIN) is proud to present PLAY TO WIN, an event benefiting ThinkCure!.

The day will begin with a baseball clinic featuring Jeff Kent and Dodger Greats Bobby Castillo, Al Downing, Lee Lacy, Ruday Law, Derrel Thomas, Maury Wills, "Sweet" Lou Johnson, Tommy Davis, Wes Parker, and Ken McMullen! Participants will learn about hitting, fielding, pitching, base running, and strength & conditioning from the pros.

The clinic will be followed by a picnic lunch on the Loge Terrace with special guest Don Mattingly who will be available for a question and answer session.

The cost of $125 per person includes the following:
Clinic with Jeff Kent and Dodger Greats
Group Photo with Players and Coaches
Picnic Lunch with Don Mattingly
Dodger Gift Bag
Ticket Voucher Good for a Future Game During the 2008 Regular Season

Proceeds to benefit ThinkCure!, the Official Charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

[Bobby_Ayala]

Yes, beautiful young females should play hardball, but I don't want any player who looks like the softball player who resembles fat Saragusa on my hardball team. :highfive:

[RightEGirl]

Hi Bobby_Ayala,

I'm not even going to engage in a reply on your post which is either an obvious tweak to get a response or perhaps one of the shallowest comments ever posted here. I'll assume it's a tweak, as I imagine you're smarter than to be that shallow. For an alternate viewpoint, I'll direct you to my column in Softball West Magazine from July 2008: http://www.softballwest.com/articles/342/
It discusses athletic "image" among other things. And yes, if you're confused, I DO play hardball, both on elite women's teams and with my local MSBL.

Best,

Tiff

[Bobby_Ayala]

Hi Bobby_Ayala,

I'm not even going to engage in a reply on your post which is either an obvious tweak to get a response or perhaps one of the shallowest comments ever posted here. I'll assume it's a tweak, as I imagine you're smarter than to be that shallow. I DO play hardball, both on elite women's teams and with my local MSBL.

Best,

Tiff

I am sorry, for my previous post. It was sexist and just stupid. I do love women and encourage them to play hardball.:sorry:

[RightEGirl]

Hi Bobby_Ayala,

On behalf of myself and the others in this group, I thank your for your apology and for re-thinking your position.

Best,

Tiffany

[idgiesmom]

I go to something even better-- Mets Fantasy Camp. The past 2 years there have been 5 women and 115 men. We are treated like any other player there (we pay the same amount of money!) and have access to the trainers, etc. Managers and coaches are former Mets players. You have unbelievable access to the former players, shooting the bull with them, eating breakfast and lunch with them. Alot of my Mets heroes from my childhood (I've been a Mets fans since they began in '62) call me by first name now! It's a grueling 6 days but it's the most fun I have ever had. Last year I batted .278 with 6 hits, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored. Teammates are great, former players are great and it is an experience like no other. We get two uniforms--home and away and they have a clubhouse staff who does our laundry just like the pros--your uniforms, socks shirts and whatever else are back at your locker the next day! It is held in January at the Mets Spring Training Facility in Port St. Lucie, FL. There is a reunion during the season where we are ll introduced before a game on the field (by name) and the next day we get to play on the field (Shea the past 2 years--Citifield next year).

I think virtually all teams have it and, although I was a bit scared to be one of the only women at first, it was absolutely like being a major league ballplayer (without the level of play, of course). I asked and they said of course women are welcome. I heartily recommend it, if you can scrounge up the money!

[NotAboutEgo]

I've done the same thing... but with the Tigers fantasy camp. I've been to 7 in Lakeland, Florida... the full week with all the things you mentioned. I have many friends from the camps. Many people return year after year, so you get to know a lot of people. I've also done a weekend camp at Comerica Park and a couple of one-day camps there. Although those aren't the same as the week long camps in Florida, they're still fun.

A lot of us who've gone to camps get together in the summer and play baseball at a local university about 2 times a month.

I've never been treated like anyone different there. The guys respect the women who go, and most of the women are better than most of the guys there!

[LadyMarlin71]

I've been to the Marlins Fantasy Camp. Our camp was only 3 days, though. The coaches gave me the "Best Personality" award. I was one of 5 women. We had a blast. We also got a full uniform, our own baseball cards, pictures, breakfast, lunch and dinner with the pros, autographed bobbleheads and baseballs.

[idgiesmom]

I've been to the Marlins Fantasy Camp. Our camp was only 3 days, though. The coaches gave me the "Best Personality" award. I was one of 5 women. We had a blast. We also got a full uniform, our own baseball cards, pictures, breakfast, lunch and dinner with the pros, autographed bobbleheads and baseballs.

Lady Marlin, we also got baseball cards of ourselves and a DVD of the camp as well as an autographed baseball. Professional pictures were taken but we had to buy them, except for the pic of the entire camp which was given to us. Besides our home and away uniforms, we also got a jacket, hat, and socks. This will be my third year--afther the first year I learned to bring my own bats because the ones they provided were too long and heavy for me.

Playing on the Field at Shea Stadium was a big thrill, especially this year which was the last year of the ballpark. I took some infield and outfield dirt home with me.

I wasn't allowed to play baseball as a young girl (I'm 58 and we weren't allowed to play little league back then) and I never liked the feel of a softball in my hand, so this is the culmination of a lifelong dream for me. All I ever wanted was to be treated like one of the guys on the field and at Fantasy Camp I am.