Written by Mahaley Wise | Photo courtesy of Bethesda Big Train

The Bethesda Big Train hosted a Women in Sports Night on Wednesday night. They reached out to the local community and supported local women’s teams such as the DC Girls Baseball and the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference. Everyone came together that night over a shared love of the game and to promote an empowering spirit for women and all sports athletes. 

Upon first entering the ballpark, fans were greeted with tables highlighting women’s involvement in sports that are typically thought of as male dominated. Lined up across the back of the stands were tables upon tables of women representing their league. Fans gathered around to ask questions and enjoy conversation. Fans took cards and merchandise to remember these leagues, with the hopes of getting involved in the future. People adorned smiles on their faces and engaged in friendly chats about their own personal involvement through the years with women’s athletics. 

The evening started with a first pitch from representatives from all the local women’s teams. Big Train President Bruce Adams introduced them one by one giving them high praise and a ball to toss to home plate. Olivia Martin and Maya Kaufman, from DC Girls Baseball, both pitched beautifully down the middle for a strike.

The DC Girls Baseball Team (DCGB) gives girls ages 12-18 a place to hone their skills and develop their talents. They also offer young girls an opportunity to learn important life lessons and offer a sense of companionship and comradery amongst the team. 

I talked to two of the players of DCGB who shared some of their experience and what they loved about baseball. 

Martin first got involved in baseball when one of her friends invited her to a game. “I played and I loved it. That’s when we found DCGB. That’s when we really fell in love.” 

Kaufman also shared with me her first time getting involved with baseball.

“In my neighborhood a bunch of my friends played t-ball…and we all kept playing until we got older and older and older and now it's…what I spend all of my time on.” 

They both demonstrated an initial love for the game and a desire to get more involved, which led them to DCGB. 

When asked what she loved about baseball Martin said, “It’s so much fun to play with my teammates at DCGB. I love coming to games like Big Train Games…its just so much fun.” 

Kaufman also shared her reasons for loving the game. “I love the fact that it’s so rewarding because it’s a sport all about failure. So when you do something and you succeed it feels that much better. And there is always a chance to get better in the sport.” 

They both had encouraging words to share for young girls looking to get involved in baseball. Martin, “Come out play and play baseball…it’s so much fun, the experiences are so much fun, the coaches are so great…you make lifelong friends.” 

Once someone has graduated from the DC Girls Baseball Team, they can move onto the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference. This conference takes on girls over 18 of any skill level. The two teams had a table next to each other demonstrating that the journey doesn’t end for women involved in sports. There are higher goals and skills to be accomplished as you get older and more opportunities as you advance. I talked to the representatives from the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference about their experiences. 

“I guess to middle-aged women it’s never too late to start something new and it’s never too late to be a part of something that will help the generation after us,” said Michelle Melenwick. 

The team shared a strong message and a hope for young girls and women to get involved in sport that they love. 

Melenwick said, “I think it’s important for there to be an opportunity for there to be girls and women to do anything that they want to do. That includes sports and that will then translate to other places as they get older.” 

Sharon Samborn added that “I think it’s important for girls, especially in today’s environment, to realize that they have equal opportunities in all sports. That they are not just pigeon-holed into girls’ sports.” 

Their love for baseball was shared with those around them, filling up the stadium that night. Samborn shared why she loves the game of baseball, “I love that it seems really simple at the base level but it’s a really complex game that makes you think… And it’s fun and you get to be part of a team which is what I have always wanted.” 

Melenwick also shared why she loves the game of baseball saying, “I love that it involves your whole family…as a woman playing on a team or as a man playing on a team there is something for everybody.”

The night was a success as players and fans shared their love for baseball and what brings them back to the ballpark game after game. It demonstrated that baseball isn’t just reserved for one group but is for everyone who wants to be a part of the game. 

The Big Train secured a victory in the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, sweeping both matchups. Pitcher Michael Devenney (Tulane) earned the win on the mound. Key offensive contributions came from Brennon Wright (South Alabama), Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic), and Matthew Westley. Big Train clinched the game with a final score of 5-3.