2nd Annual All-American Women’s Baseball Classic Tournament Returns to Ed Smith Stadium,

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day baseball extravaganza as the second annual All-American Women's Baseball Classic tournament descends upon Ed Smith Stadium, spring training home of the 2023 AL East Champion Baltimore Orioles. Hosted by American Girl's Baseball, an affiliate organization of the All-American Girl's Professional Baseball League Players Association, and Visit Sarasota County, this event promises to deliver non-stop action, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments on the diamond.

From November 17th to 19th, witness the nation's top women's baseball players as they showcase their skills, athleticism, and determination in a series of thrilling games. The All-American Women's Baseball Classic is the epitome of sheer joy and excitement that only women's baseball can provide.

Sue Zipay, the Founder and President of American's Girl Baseball, shares her vision for the tournament: "My time to play may be over, but American Girl's Baseball is here to start a new era for modern-day female baseball players. We aim to provide new opportunities to train, participate, and compete in the game of baseball at every level, including high school, college, and professional. Having played for the Rockford Peaches in 1953 and 1954, I've been on a mission my whole life to create a professional baseball league for girls and women who want to have a future in this sport."

This year, 52 female baseball players from across the country will converge in Sarasota to compete in the tournament and continue promoting women's baseball. Many of these players were recently chosen to be part of USA Baseball's 2023 Women's National Team. Joining them will be eight professional coaches, including three with previous experience working and competing in the MLB, such as John Frascatore and Dick Drago.

The tournament's participating teams pay homage to the legacy of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League by adopting the names of its original four teams from 1943 to 1954: the Rockford Peaches, South Bend Blue Sox, Racine Belles, and the Kenosha Comets. This

gesture serves as a tribute to the twelve seasons of professional women's baseball made achievable by the AAGPBL.

As a bonus for aspiring young players, there will be a free skills clinic conducted by tournament players for girls up to 16 years old following the tournament on Monday, November 20th at Ed Smith Stadium. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to improve your baseball skills in a supportive environment. Register for a free spot at: https://form.jotform.com/232133430358953.

The All-American Women's Baseball Classic would not be possible without the support of their proud sponsors, including Sarasota Ford and Wrigley Media Group. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and for more information, please visit: https://americangirlsbaseball.org/all-american-womans-baseball-classic/.

By attending the All-American Women's Baseball Classic, you're not just enjoying a phenomenal sporting event – you're supporting the advancement of women in baseball. Your presence and enthusiasm help promote inclusivity, gender equality, and the growth of the sport we all love.

Don't miss out on this incredible celebration of women's baseball. Tickets to attend the All-American Women's Baseball Classic can be purchased online at https://www.mlb.com/orioles/spring-training/all-american-womens-baseball-classic.

###

About American Girl’s Baseball

American Girls Baseball (AGB) was created as an affiliate organization of the All American Girl’s Professional Baseball League Players Association (AAGPBL PA) in 2019 to continue the legacy and purpose of this famous women’s professional league. Their vision is to create a professional baseball league for girls and women who want to have a future in that sport. The purpose behind the organization is to benefit all-female baseball players who want to have a choice between softball and baseball and provide them with opportunities to train, participate, and compete in the game of baseball at every level, including high school, college, and professional. Visit www.americangirlsbaseball.org for more information.

About Visit Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. It is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). VSC meets the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, fiscal management, and ethical principles. Visit www.visitsarasota.com for more information.

Media Contact

Knight Strategic Communications

Mia Kurecki

941.408.3742

[email protected]