The 2019 Little League State Championships saw approximately 150 players turn out for the tournament, with big smiles and lots of laughter and excitement. Seven girls took the field over the weekend, representing four of the five charters, and highlighting the opportunities for girls to grow and thrive in junior baseball.
Well done to all the female participants from the 2019 Little League State Championships, including:
Stella Mobbs (Sunraysia – LL Development),
Ruby Benne (Geelong Baycats – LL Development)
Saya Turnley (Geelong Baycats – LL Development)
Madison Knox (Southern Mariners – LL Minor White)
Kendra Rutgers (Southern Mariners - LL Minor White)
Erin Kent (Southern Mariners – LL All-Stars)
Tammin Stilianos (Eastern Athletics – LL Minor Green)
Misha Du Toit (Eastern Athletics – LL Minor Green)
Victoria is the first state in Australia to provide high-level baseball for women. As such, Victorians have always had a strong presence in the national ranks of women’s baseball, with seven current Emeralds players hailing from Victoria, and the Victorian state teams dominating the women’s national championships year-in-year-out.
Many of these players rise through the ranks of the junior development pathway, starting with Little League baseball available at many local clubs. The program preaches ‘character, courage and loyalty’ with the aim of shaping the next generation of leaders, and it’s a great way for boys and girls to develop self-confidence and athletic ability while having fun in a safe team environment.
One of the stars of the 2019 Little League State Champions was undoubtedly 12-year-old Erin Kent of the Southern Mariners All-Stars. Kent was practically unstoppable for her team, hitting a Grand Slam in a massive 25-0 win over Geelong Baycats on Saturday and guiding the Mariners to a second-place finish and a ticket to Lismore for the National Championships in June.
“I had heaps of fun batting and fielding and hanging out with the team,” Erin said after her squad’s big win.
Erin is the only girl on her team, but that doesn’t stop her from having a great time.
“I’ve only been playing with one other girl [locally] but she is in the intermediate team… I’m used to being the only girl.”
While she might have been the only girl on her team, her presence was definitely felt across the weekend, often being one of the most vocal, encouraging and enthusiastic on the diamond. “I love this team very much.”
Erin’s love for the sport she plays, and plays very well, is the perfect example that baseball is a game for everyone.
View Erin's full interview here: https://www.facebook.com/BaseballVictoria/videos/2198978480196989/