DID YOU KNOW...
- More than 40% of MLB fans are women.
- 150,000 girls play youth baseball in the U.S.
- Women spend 80% of all sports apparel dollars.
- Team USA women’s national baseball team won bronze at the 2010 IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." — Gandhi
SABR: Women's Research
The Society of American Baseball Research has a Women in Research Committee!
The Committee studies the role of women in various aspects of baseball. Either read the research or write it. SABR is for those who love baseball.
The Committee publishes an E-newsletter with both historial and the latest information on baseball for girls and women.
BFA Founder, Justine Siegal, co-chairs this Committee with Dr. Leslie Heaphy. Both children and adults are encouraged to get involved.
Education
Baseball For All wants to make sure you know your rights as an American baseball player.
Access to America’s past time has been limited for girls and women throughout history. American culture has determined that boys play baseball and girls play softball. Despite this cultural undercurrent, over 40% of Major League Baseball’s fans are women.
If women grew up playing baseball instead of softball or another sport, the MLB female fan base would likely grow. Some girls do start their sporting careers in baseball. Approximately 150,000 girls are playing youth baseball but only 1000 continue on to play for their high school team.
If girls had opportunities to play baseball along side other girls, through youth baseball, high school, and college, then the sport of baseball would grow.
If you have been unfairly cut from a team or are told that you are not even allowed to tryout for a team JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE A GIRL - help is on the way! Many players from the BFA have faced discrimination in baseball - including BFA Founder, Justine Siegal. The WSF and BFA can help you fill your dreams of baseball glory. BFA recommends emailing the Women's Sports Foundation advocacy office or calling them at 301.657.5829. Want more help? Contact Baseball For All.
KNOW YOUR BASEBALL RIGHTS!
Here are some links that may help you:
Your Rights in a School Setting
WSF's Step by Step: A Practical Guide to Assessing and Getting Gender Equity"
Your Rights in a Recreational Setting
WSF's “Step-by-Step: A Practical Guide to Achieving Gender and Disability Equity in Community Recreational Programs"
Differences of Softball vs. Baseball
WSF's position paper on the difference between softball and baseball.
NCAA: Softball & Baseball Are Different
Thanks to WSF, NCAA has agreed that softball and baseball are different sports.
Girls Play High School Baseball
New York Times article examines girls playing high school baseball.
Indiana H.S. - Baseball/Softball Different
Girls can now officially play high school baseball in Indiana thanks to a lawsuit by Logan, a 14 year old, player.
Baseball in Indiana
Heather wins right to tryout for Indiana high school team. See photo of catcher above.
