22/04/2024 1 Minute Read

USA National Team pitcher Meggie Meidlinger on a mission to develop Women's Baseball in Uganda

Her encounter with youth baseball coach Jimmy Loban led to the foundation of Baseball at Heart, which now develops women's baseball in six communities. Three other Women's Baseball World Cup alums - Stacy Piagno, Anna Kimbrell and AJ Hamilton - were also involved.

Baseball at Heart has the mission to create a Baseball Community in Africa. The focus is on youth development and providing opportunities to youngsters from underprivileged communities.

The official website states: "We believe that through the sport of baseball, we can empower individuals, inspire positive change and foster personal growth."

Baseball at Hart was created following an encounter between USA Women's Baseball National Team pitcher Meggie Meidlinger and youth baseball coach Jimmy Loban. Meidlinger served in Uganda after joining a Christian ministry and was looking for some throwing partners. Loban directed her to the field in Kampala.

"I didn't know ladies were playing baseball," Loban told MLB.com. "I thought it was more softball. That was my first experience seeing that."

It led to the Foundation of Baseball at Heart.

"It's the same story in any country," Meidlinger commented. "Girls are playing softball, and boys are playing baseball, but girls are interested in playing baseball."

Meidlinger ran her first clinic for 200 girls in 2019. Her USA teammates Stacy Piagno, Anna Kimbrell and AJ Hamilton joined her.

"To be able to give these girls an opportunity just means so much in a country I love so dearly," Meidlinger said. "And to get to do that alongside my USA baseball teammates, my sisters is just a really fun experience to combine all that and to get to do that with them."

Baseball at Heart reaches six communities in Uganda. On-field activities include baseball training, clinics, and demonstration games. In every community, girls and women have time set aside to talk about their gender-based issues in relation to sport and how communities perceive girls' and women's involvement with sports.

"We boldly declare that girls and women are exceptional contenders in the realm of baseball. We champion the cause of inclusivity, advocating fervently for the active involvement of girls and women in baseball throughout the continent of Africa," stated Baseball at Hart.