Dodgers take part in softball clinic
LOS ANGELES -- More than 100 girls, ranging from age 4 to 14, turned out for the first All Girls Softball Clinic presented by the Dodgers' Women's Initiative and Network (WIN) on Saturday. The new program focuses on providing women of all ages and backgrounds with unique opportunities to learn about baseball and participate in the Dodger Stadium experience."There was so much interest by the young girls to have a softball clinic and be on the Dodger fields," said Dodger vice chairman Jamie McCourt, who established WIN. "I hope this is the first of many events we'll have.
"I think we're incredibly lucky that so many people are so interested," said McCourt. "I think what has happened is that people have realized that there is such an enormous potential in terms of providing access to women and young girls, and getting them all excited about being here and realizing there's a space for them -- whether it's in the front office or on the field. They can find a place for themselves, it's so exciting."
The girls who turned out for the event were coached for two hours in baseball and softball techniques by Dodger players Eric Gagne, Kelly Wunsch and Oscar Robles along with coach Manny Mota. Members of the National Pro Fastpitch League and former members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, made famous in the film "A League of Their Own," were on hand to help coach.
"This is one of the most enjoyable things of our retirement," said Mabel Blair, who played for the Peoria Red Wings in the 1940s. "For us to come out here and help the girls and see the smiles on their faces and see the hope that they can advance not only in sports, but in regular life, too. Any time we can spread the word about baseball and softball, we're all for it."
Blair was joined by former league members Shirley Burkovich, Dorothy "Snookie" Doyle, Tibie Thelma Eisen and Lee Delamanico.
"This is pretty nice," said Gagne. "This is the first time I've been to an event like this. It's real exciting, it's great for the kids out here and I think it's a really good initiative."
The Dodgers closer believes that events like this are not only good for the fans, but the players too.
"Every time you go out in public to see the fans, just to see their reaction is amazing," said Gagne. "They are really excited to see us and we're excited to see them. This is our way to give back a little bit, it's just two hours of our time and it's a lot of fun."
McCourt has big plans for WIN.
"The ultimate goal is to make everyone feel comfortable coming to a baseball game," said McCourt. "You can be a casual fan; you don't have to be a raging fanatic who knows every statistic. You can come and just enjoy the game, the grass, the experience, the time with your family -- that's the goal."
"What the McCourts are doing is huge," said Gagne. "That's why it's good to have a team owned by a family, because they really get involved; they really care about Los Angeles. I knew they were going to get involved like this, and they are doing a tremendous job."
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
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