Women and girls in the Mitchell Shire will have a new sport of choice this summer with Broadford’s Mitchell Majors Baseball Club confirming the launch of a women’s program for the 2022/23 Baseball Victoria season.
To coincide with the club’s 25th anniversary, the launch comes off the back of major upgrades at the club’s home ground Minnit Park in Broadford which includes dedicated change room facilities for girls and women.
While the club has welcomed women to play in mixed teams since its inception in 1998, the decision to create a dedicated women’s team is a game changer for the club, the shire and the sport.
16-year-old Alyssia Ryan, who has played in the club’s mixed teams for five years, is looking forward to playing on a women’s team for the first time.
"It's already so much fun being a part of this club, so I am so excited about a women’s team,” said Ryan, who will be keen to use the opportunity to develop her game. “Playing with women will be a perfect opportunity to learn new positions and while I would like to win, having fun and being around wonderful people is very important to me.
“I can't wait for the summer season to start."
Club stalwart Maria Robinson is eager to play ball in her inaugural season after years spent supporting the club off the field in a variety of roles.
"I have always been around the club, but now there's a women's team I feel drawn to play,” said Robinson. “I can't wait to get out there playing and give it my all. My goal is just to do my best.
“I know I will have fun I already know this club, this community is amazing and will support you no matter what.”
New mother Tara Amuso is excited to play in a women’s team for the first time after falling in love with the sport and the club after joining two seasons ago.
“Not only will I be able to gain some of my independence back, but it comes with the added benefit of being healthy, burning some extra calories and having fun,” said Amuso, who is encouraging all women to come and try the sport. “I’d never played baseball before, only softball, but there have been so many great people at the club who welcomed me and my husband, and who have given me guidance and extra training.”
Club Secretary Andrew Robinson is pleased to see the club grow and develop through the women’s program.
“We know that our club has been predominantly male since we started in 1998, but we are committed to making the experience for anyone who wants to play baseball at Mitchell Majors as inclusive and welcoming as possible both on and off the field,” said Robinson.
“We encourage all women and girls to come down and give it a go.”
The club will host a free girls and women’s come and try session from 9:30-10:30am Saturday 20 August at Minnit Park in Broadford.
More details via their website at https://majorsbaseballclub.com/
