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 / or on
Facebook 

All-American Women’s Baseball Classic 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"