This season, a U15AA Winnipeg Minor Baseball League team consisting entirely of girls is causing quite a stir.
The Female U15AA St. James A’s joined the league this year making history as the first all-female team in the league, after head coach Jason Miller brought forth the idea. Miller has two daughters in the U15 age group who were looking to play on a competitive baseball team.
Instead of joining St. James A’s boys’ team, he started the girl’s team, which allowed his daughters to play with other girls their age while still playing AA ball.
One of his additions to the coaching staff was Arborg’s Jamie Johnson, who played competitive baseball in Manitoba as a child.
Growing up, Johnson was often among the few girls on a team dominated by boys. Getting the coaching offer from Miller was an opportunity to try something new, and so far is enjoying the new gig.
“It’s pretty cool to see there are so many baseball players that age that want to compete and be on that team,” said Johnson. “When I was growing up it was always one or two girls playing so it’s really cool to see how much it’s grown and can still grow.”
The A’s have 16 girls on the club this season, and they are already making noise in the league.
They scored 36 runs in their first five games, including a 6-2 win over the St. James A’s boys team in their fifth game.
“It was really cool; the girls were so excited,” said Johnson. “It was a close game right to the end. It was really cool to see them accomplish that.”
Since then, the A’s grabbed another win and have been in another handful of close games.
They currently sit ahead of their fellow St. James A’s boys team in the standings and are within striking distance of jumping other teams.
Johnson said the girls are getting used to their new competition, and are becoming a competitive team every game.
“We’ve had some close, competitive games,” said Johnson. “Their confidence has built a lot, and they are really excited to play and show what they have. They are definitely proving they can play in this league and alongside the boys.”
One of two female coaches on the team, Johnson, is able to mentor the girls, having grown up playing against the boys.
This season is the first time in years she hasn’t played, and she is using her time as a coach to transfer what she’s learned to the next generation of female baseball players.
She said it’s been an adjustment not to play but is liking the new role.
As for the A’s season, they will continue fighting for position in the standings this Wednesday as they are set to see the Red River Valley Pioneers Blue for the first time.
The game will go at 6:30 p.m. at St. James Optimist Field for those interested in watching the brand-new ball club.
Their full schedule, along with standings and team stats, can be found at www.wpgminorbaseball.com
