MLB, USA Baseball to launch unprecedented girl’s youth baseball tourney

MLB, USA Baseball to launch unprecedented girl’s youth baseball tourney
10/04/2017

USA Baseball, the nation’s governing body for baseball, and Major League Baseball, one of the most iconic sports leagues in the world, are launching their first-ever girl’s baseball tournament.

USA Baseball, the nation’s governing body for baseball, and Major League Baseball, one of the most iconic sports leagues in the world, are launching their first-ever girl’s baseball tournament.

The launch corresponds to the growing popularity of the female discipline and Jackie Robinson Day (15 April).

The “Trailblazer Series” will take place in Los Angeles from 13-15 April.

Over 100 young female baseballers from both the United States and Canada will form U-16 and U-12 tournament teams.

Several past WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup® stars with the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, including Malaika Underwood and legend Tamara Holmes, will guide the girl’s baseball teams as coaches.

WBSC Women’s Baseball Commission Chairperson Justine Siegal will also serve as one of the coaches and USA Softball icon/Olympic gold medallist Jennie Finch will also be in attendance.

“The establishment of the Trailblazer Series marks an exciting next chapter in the history of women’s baseball,” said Paul Seiler, Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball and WBSC Executive Board member.

MLB leader Robert Manfred said: “MLB and USA Baseball have listened to the growing demand for girls’ and women’s baseball by launching this unprecedented event.”

The U.S. is currently ranked No. 3 in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Rankings.

The next Women’s Baseball World Cup – the pinnacle female baseball event – will be staged in 2018.