COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – The Ball Girls 12U baseball team is currently making history as they become the largest all-girls team to compete at Cooperstown All Star Village.
Since opening in 2004, Cooperstown All Star Village has welcomed more than 15,000 teams to the family resort that offers onsite lodging and attracts teams from around the globe. The pioneering girls team is only the second all-girls team in the resort’s history and the first since 2012. They are participating in a week-long baseball tournament with 71 other 12U teams through Monday, Aug. 7.
The Ball Girls is a worldwide all-girls baseball organization that brings young females together on and off the field. This year’s 12U team formed two years ago with 15 girls from across the country. They come together to play in tournaments throughout the year.
“We aim to provide opportunities for the girls to learn, develop, and play the game of baseball in a safe environment and connect them to opportunities that have a lasting impact,” says Allie Lacey, founder and CEO of The Ball Girls. “This team coming [here] is a special group, and [we look] forward to a memorable week.”
The week began with opening ceremonies on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and a visit from retired MLB player Mark DeRosa. The Ball Girls 12U team also plans to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of their experience. Games will conclude with a championship night on Monday, Aug. 7.
“We believe that baseball is a game for everyone,” says Rick Abbott, CEO of Cooperstown All Star Village. “We’re proud to welcome The Ball Girls 12U team to Cooperstown All Star Village to compete and have an incredible experience they’ll never forget. I’m also excited for them to see our friends at the Baseball Hall of Fame, where they will learn more about the history of our great game.”
The Ball Girls 12U team also competed at The Ripken Experience Elizabethtown this summer during the Baseball For All girls’ baseball tournament in Kentucky. Earlier this year, Cooperstown All Star Village joined the Ripken Baseball family of complexes.
