The Women’s Hall of Fame Classic will be held at Simmons Field in Kenosha, Wisconsin – the last remaining AAGPBL field. It has been refurbished and will be rededicated on July 4. A contingent of AAGPBL players will attend and we are building a five team elite invitational tournament around the dedication that weekend. The tournament will also be used as the only USA Baseball 2008 women’s national team tryout site.
For 2008 USA Baseball has invited 18 players to the Final Trials in Compton, California from August 16-20 at the MLB Urban Youth Academy. Eight additional players will be selected by USA Baseball scouts at the Women’s Hall of Fame Classic in Kenosha, WI. Those eight players will join the 18 players already invited to the Final Trials in Compton.
On August 21, 18 players will be chosen as the 2008 USA Baseball women’s national team. Those players not selected will be flown home. The team will fly to Matsuyama, Japan on August 21 to play in the 2008 Women’s World Cup from August 24-29, 2008. On August 30 the team returns to the United States.
For more information here is the Press kit and other information is available at the MSBL Kenosha web site.
Keep an eye on North American Women’s Baseball League outfielder Natasha Smith (19) from the New England team. She’s the Ivy League pentathlon-heptathlon champion (as only a freshmen) in track & field, who has also played organized baseball ever since she was 9.
Natasha has a great arm, great range in the outfield, can hit, has outstanding speed on the bases, is smart, a great all-around athlete, and genuine team player. Unfortunately, just back from a European track & field competition, she hasn’t had much baseball practice time as yet. But this young lady, though seemingly reserved, is one fierce competitor!
Again, keep an eye on Natasha, and please pass this information on to the National Scouts.
Sincerely,
Jim Munn, 20-year head coach of the Gloucester High School (MA) boys track & field team, and Natasha’s personal track coach & trainer from her sixth through 12th grade in high school.