Justine Siegal, chair of the Women’s Development Commission at the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), recently visited Europe. In Paris, France she talked in a seminar about Women’s Baseball. In Parma, Italy she was one of the speakers during the 28th Italian Coach Convention. After returning home to California she was so kind to answer a couple of questions about Women’s Baseball state in Europe.
IBAF: You recently visited France and Italy to talk about the development of Women¹s Baseball in these countries. Can you summarize shortly your impressions?
Justine Siegal: I am so impressed by the passion for baseball that I saw in both Italy and France. It’s just wonderful. I’m really honored I had the chance to go and speak on behalf of baseball for girls and women.
IBAF: What are the plans for the two Federations in regards of Women’s Baseball?
Justine Siegal: I think plans are very much in the beginning phases for both countries. But what is clear is that there are girls and women who want to play baseball in both France and Italy. France has already started forming a women’s baseball team and are looking for other teams to play. Both Italy and France have girls throughout its leagues playing with the boys. It’s just a matter of supporting these girls and allowing them to play, instead of forcing an early retirement due to an “aging-out” policy.
IBAF: Except for the Netherlands, which celebrated their first win at a Women’s Baseball World Cup last August in Edmonton, Europe doesn’t play a role in Women’s Baseball so far. What needs to be done to change that?
Justine Siegal: Other European countries need to start their own national women’s baseball team. I would like to see an IBAF European Cup. With national and international opportunities available, more girls will be inspired to play baseball and more clubs will be inclined to encourage them. The desire is there. Now we just have to do it.
IBAF: The Phoenix Cup in Hong Kong ended on Monday. What other tournaments are on the calendar in Women¹s Baseball this year?
Justine Siegal: The Sydney Invitational Women’s Baseball tournament is going on right now. You can watch national tournaments this year in countries, such as: Canada, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Our sport is growing; that is definite. These are exciting times!
