"A Game of Their Own: Voices of Contemporary Women in Baseball" with Jennifer Ring

There is a national women’s baseball team in the United States.  It is virtually unknown. One of the best kept secrets in American sports: Team USA has medaled in every international competition it has played in for the past decade.   A Game of Their Own chronicles the largely invisible history of women in baseball.  Jennifer Ring includes oral histories of eleven members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, from the moment each player picked up a bat and ball as a young girl to her selection for Team USA.  Each story is unique, but they share common themes that will resonate with all baseball fans: facing skepticism and taunts from players and parents when taking the batter’s box or the pitcher’s mound, self-doubt, the unceasing pressure to switch to softball, and eventual acceptance by their baseball teammates as they prove themselves as ballplayers.  The stories of these racially, culturally, and economically diverse players come alive as they recount their battles and most memorable moments playing baseball -- the joys of exceeding expectations and the pleasure of honing baseball skills and talent despite the lack of support.   Featuring exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and administrators, A Game of Their Own celebrates the U.S. Women’s National Team and the excellence of its remarkable players.  In response to the jeer “No girls allowed!” these are powerful stories of optimism and staying true to oneself. Listen in to our wonderful evening with Jennifer Ring in the Clubhouse...