From the news down under, Australia is building a foundation for girls and women who prefer Baseball to Softball like no other country. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
The recent smash success of their 2007 U15 Division gathering shows just how strong Baseball is across their landscape of “Club” Baseball that is all-inclusive of girls, women, boys and men: it is a family activity to play Baseball and the novice to advanced amateur are equally welcome.
When the Ausie Hearts came through San Francisco for the first time two years ago, and followed up in 2007, we were honored by their presence. Watching the women practicing on the 90 foot and the girls practicing on the 70 foot fields at our fog-enhanced Moscone Recreation Center last Fall, Jeneane Lesko mentoring them as their national stars put the women through their paces, each clad in fresh white pants, singular in their blue and red jerseys, jackets and hats, it was awesome and distinct, setting a distinctive tone.
Upon the return to Australia after the first Ausie Hearts tour of the US, its participants were determined to utilize the momentum and enthusiasm. The parents and participants on the local level stayed in contact and worked constantly to build the fabric of a network. Girls throughout Australia could then come together and play Baseball in an annual event. Its success left its participants energized to return home and tell of what opportunities exist for girls and women who love the game.
Those determined to prop up Baseball as an all-boy or male activity can learn a lot from the example set by our neighbors to the south. they are building community across all demographics including girls and women as equal partners. Each person embraces the skill development only Baseball requires. Respect for that accomplishment is earned by each person who steps up to the plate even just to give it a go.
Australia as Pathfinder for Girls and Women in Baseball in the World Today
August 2, 2007 — girlsplaybaseballFrom the news down under, Australia is building a foundation for girls and women who prefer Baseball to Softball like no other country. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
The recent smash success of their 2007 U15 Division gathering shows just how strong Baseball is across their landscape of “Club” Baseball that is all-inclusive of girls, women, boys and men: it is a family activity to play Baseball and the novice to advanced amateur are equally welcome.
When the Ausie Hearts came through San Francisco for the first time two years ago, and followed up in 2007, we were honored by their presence. Watching the women practicing on the 90 foot and the girls practicing on the 70 foot fields at our fog-enhanced Moscone Recreation Center last Fall, Jeneane Lesko mentoring them as their national stars put the women through their paces, each clad in fresh white pants, singular in their blue and red jerseys, jackets and hats, it was awesome and distinct, setting a distinctive tone.
Upon the return to Australia after the first Ausie Hearts tour of the US, its participants were determined to utilize the momentum and enthusiasm. The parents and participants on the local level stayed in contact and worked constantly to build the fabric of a network. Girls throughout Australia could then come together and play Baseball in an annual event. Its success left its participants energized to return home and tell of what opportunities exist for girls and women who love the game.
Those determined to prop up Baseball as an all-boy or male activity can learn a lot from the example set by our neighbors to the south. they are building community across all demographics including girls and women as equal partners. Each person embraces the skill development only Baseball requires. Respect for that accomplishment is earned by each person who steps up to the plate even just to give it a go.