A Difference of Opinion

Clare forwarded me a press release yesterday from USA Softball, the governing body of softball in the United States and a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.  It seems that MLB is pitching in to help the 2020 USA Softball Women’s National Team get ready for the summer games in Tokyo.  To which I can only say, Whoopee!

Of course, the press release—and to an extent, my daughter—sees things differently.  The purpose of the release is to publicize the “Stand Beside Her Tour” coming up in the months ahead.  The women’s national team will visit 35 cities for activities and exhibition games.  Wait, there’s more.

You see, the sponsorship will provide players “with access to support staff and resources they need to stand atop the podium and bring the Gold [Medal] back to the United States.”  I only wish there would’ve been some mention as to the exact nature of that support, outside of training at an MLB training complex in Florida.

Here’s the part that I found most troubling.  Tony Reagins, the executive vice president of baseball and softball development for MLB, was quoted saying, “The players on Team USA share our commitment to growing softball.”  Excuse me, but shouldn’t Reagins’ job be growing baseball to the point that it includes women?         

“Dad, not all girls want to play baseball,” Clare reminded me for the umpteenth million time, give or take.  “Yes, but there are girls who do,” I answered yet again.  If only baseball wanted them.