Baseball is back, and so is the annual Trailblazer Series, Major League Baseball¡¯s initiative to foster youth girls¡¯ baseball development. The series takes place over two days at the Jackie Robinson Training Center in Vero Beach, Fla.
All those invited are girls ages 12-14, have a background in baseball and are looking to elevate their skillset through on-field training and off-field mentorship opportunities. They¡¯ll get a chance to learn from some of the most accomplished names in women's baseball.
Officially in its eighth rendition, this year's event features nearly 100 athletes from 26 states and four Canadian provinces. With such a diverse athlete pool, it is an opportunity for those participating to gain new skills and perspectives on the game.
Since its inception in 2017, the development series has landed on the weekend leading up to Jackie Robinson Day, the annual celebration of baseball¡¯s most iconic trailblazer, Jackie Robinson. Celebrations for his legacy and the impact he left on the game are planned throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, MLB and the Jackie Robinson Training Complex will partner in hosting a special PLAYBALL event in Jackie¡¯s honor for local youth from the Indian River County area. Participants will get a glimpse at the state-of-the-art complex facilities, and even a free bat and ball set.
Some off-field activities include panel discussions with trailblazers Maybelle Blair and Jeneane Lesko. Blair and Lesko are former professional baseball players in the All-American Girls Professional League, a pro women¡¯s sports league that operated from 1943 to 1954, and the inspiration behind the movie ¡°A League of Their Own.¡±
With a coaching side comprised of current and former members of the United States women¡¯s national baseball team, the Trailblazer Series stands out as a premier development event for girl baseball players hoping to elevate their baseball skills.
Coaches include Meggie Medilinger, a member of the 2006 and 2008 United States women¡¯s national baseball team, and Valerie Perez, starting shortstop of the USWNT. These are just some of the names who will take part in coaching and mentoring activities throughout the weekend.
Also headlining the coaching staff is Major League Baseball¡¯s first girls baseball ambassador, Veronica Alvarez. Alvarez is well-known in the USA Baseball world and was notably a member of the United States Women¡¯s national baseball team that won gold at the 2015 Pan American Games.
An ambassador since 2017, Alvarez is actively involved in supporting MLB's youth programming initiatives in partnership with USA Baseball's initiatives and is frequently present for other Major League Baseball development programs, such as the Breakthrough Series and Elite Development Invitational.
Held in conjunction with Jackie Robinson Day since it launched in 2017, the Trailblazer series is one example of the power of women in baseball and how MLB is part of the initiative behind expanding participation and recognition.