IWBC - Mission for Women in Baseball with Kat Williams & Leslie Heaphy

Guests: Leslie Heaphy & Kat Williams from the International Women’s Baseball Center share their stories and the mission of the IWBC
MLB Develops - Trailblazer Series event at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. Young girls learned from national champion players, followed by an engaging presentation by Leslie and Kat on the history and future of women in baseball.
IWBC’s Vision & Mission
• Kat Williams: The IWBC, founded in 2014, aims to preserve and protect the legacy of women in baseball across the world.
• Leslie Heaphy: Education is key to the IWBC’s mission-educating not only about past women in baseball but also future possibilities for young girls. It is about empowering them to see themselves as influencers and advocates, both on and off the field.
Engagement with Young Athletes
• The importance of making young girls realize that they have the power to influence others. Encouraged the girls to think about how they can be influencersWomen’s Sports Influence
• Using sports icons like Caitlin Clark (basketball) to engage girls shows how women's influence extends across sports.
IWBC's Goal is not only to build a physical space in Rockford, IL, near the historic home of the Rockford Peaches but also to create ongoing education and action.
MLB Develops & Women’s Baseball Growth provides opportunities for young girls in baseball
Baseball for Women Collaboration
• Discuss the need for greater cooperation between organizations promoting women’s baseball. Although the IWBC collaborates with other groups like Baseball for All, they continue striving for even more unified efforts to magnify their impact.
Women in Baseball Progress:
Moving past celebrating “firsts” like Rachel Balkovec becoming the manager of the Tampa Tarpons. The focus should shift toward ongoing representation and recognition of talent in women's baseball.
Disappointment over Kim Ng’s departure from the Miami Marlins and how women in leadership roles still face obstacles in MLB.
Women’s Baseball World Cup - praised for showcasing incredible talent and dedication, with young players like Naomi Ryan being examples of the rising stars.
Veronica Alvarez’s role as a mentor and leader for the U.S. Women’s National Team fosters a positive team culture.
Encouraging Local Support for Women’s Baseball:
The importance of local initiatives, like the Rockford Little Peaches team, and how supporting girls' involvement in baseball at the grassroots level is crucial for the sport's growth.
The ongoing struggle for girls to continue playing baseball without being pushed into softball was also discussed.
Support women’s baseball at all levels, from Little League to professional tournaments, noting that these games often feature top-notch talent.
Learn more at the IWBC website (www.iwbc.org/) / or on Facebook ( / iwbc4me )
All-American Women’s Baseball Classic (bit.ly/3XmuVJB) being held in Durham, October 11-13Several of the players will be from the WBSC women baseball champions will be there to play.
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"