Most people remember the film “A League of Their Own,” the fictional account of the Rockford Peaches and the rise of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, as well as star players Dottie Hinson and her sister Kit Keller. A cast including stars Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and Tom Hanks, tells the story of how women who loved to play what was then considered a men-only sport struggled to be taken seriously while they essentially filled in for their male counterparts.
This was back in the early 1940s when the need for men fighting in World War II threatened to shut down Major League Baseball.
Of course, as we know, that didn’t happen – thanks in part to what grew into the popular women’s league. But players such as Hinson and Keller did much more than just help keep the love of baseball afloat while our men were at war – they broke down barriers that many thought couldn’t be budged. According to the AAGPBL website, the league gave more than 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball and to play it at a level never before reached.
Today, girls’ sports are very real and are just as evident here in Bryan County – between school and recreation sports teams – as it is anywhere. Unfortunately, Richmond Hill Recreation Association sports is seeing a decline in girls participation, and low registration numbers are threatening to cancel the girls softball league this season.
Everyone is aware that girls who play in team sports typically have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem and a more positive body image than those who do not play sports. And according to the Women’s Sports Foundation, sports and exercise can also improve grades and even lower the risk for disease, like breast cancer and osteoporosis.
Luckily, the Richmond Hill rec softball league isn’t canceled yet. Regular registration for $75 runs through Saturday, and late registration for an additional $15 will be from Sunday through Feb. 26. If your daughter is showing an interest, by all means sign her up – the benefits are well worth the money.
To register or for more information about Richmond Hill Recreation sports, call 756-4075 or visit rhrasports.org.
For more information about North Bryan rec sports at Hendrix Park, call 858-4640 or visit http://hendrixpark.org.