Wichita, Kansas – April 22, 2024 – The NBC Baseball Foundation is proud to announce a special partnership with League 42 and USA Baseball.
The partnership will host a baseball clinic on May 4th for the girls of League 42, instructed by USA Baseball Women’s National Team members Anna Kimbrell and Valerie Perez.
The clinic, organized by the National Baseball Congress, aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in baseball. By collaborating with League 42, a non-profit youth league in Wichita, the event seeks to empower young girls while honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
“League 42 is the home for nearly 100 girls that play baseball in Wichita, and we want to connect them with the USA Baseball Women’s National Team in order to expand their opportunities through sports,” said Katie Woods, Tournament Director of the NBC. “Baseball is for everyone, and the NBC is focused on providing accessible and supportive environments for girls to learn, grow, and excel in the sport.”
Anna Kimbrell, who is a 10-time alum and has been affiliated with USA Baseball since 2006. , is a two-time gold medalist with the Women’s National Team. She helped Team USA win gold at the 2015 Pan American Games Qualifier and at the 2019 COPABE Women’s Pan American Championships. Kimbrell was the first girl to play junior varsity, varsity, and American Legion baseball in South Carolina, and currently coaches middle school baseball & instructs catching clinics around the country.
Valerie Perez was named to the Women’s National Team’s final 20-player roster in 2023, and will compete for a spot on Team USA’s roster this summer when it competes in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals in Canada. A former baseball and softball player, Perez is now a firefighter in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Girls Baseball Clinic will feature interactive drills, skill development sessions, and small group coaching led by the WNT players, along with coaches from League 42. Participants will have the chance to enhance their baseball skills, build confidence, and connect with fellow players who share their passion for the game.
In addition to promoting girls’ participation in baseball, the event aims to raise awareness and support for women’s baseball both locally and nationally. By showcasing the talents and accomplishments of female athletes, the hope is to inspire the next generation of female baseball players and advocates.
“We are thrilled that members of USA Baseball’s Women’s National Team will be in Wichita to instruct the girls of League 42 in baseball,” said Bob Lutz, Executive Director of the League 42 Foundation. “This is a wonderful opportunity not only for these young girls to learn more about baseball, but to be around great role models. This will impact their lives for years to come!” League 42 strives to teach the importance of education, passion, integrity and diligence in a way that would make Jackie Robinson proud.”
The Girls Baseball Clinic reflects the shared values of the NBC Baseball Foundation, League 42, and USA Baseball in promoting diversity, inclusion, and excellence in baseball. Together, we are committed to creating positive and memorable experiences for girls in our community and beyond.
