Thursday, October 1, 2015

OAKLAND A'S HIRES FIRST FEMALE COACH. HOLLA.


Sports is a male dominated world. It's not an opinion, but a point of fact. From the athletes to the journalist. It truly is a man's world when it comes to sports. In the last few years, women have been making huge strides in the sport. Just a few months ago, I wrote about Melissa Mayeux who became the first female in history to be added to the MLB's international registration list. In July, the Arizona Cardinals hired the first female coach in NFL history, Jen Welter. In 2014, Becky Hammon became the first full-time female coach in any major U.S. pro sport. And now there is one more name to add to the growing list of females that are making strides in sports.


The Oakland Athletics just hired a new guest instructor for their Instructional League team, Justine Siegal. In 2009 Siegal became the first woman to coach men's professional baseball, when she served as a first base coach for the Brockton Rox, and independent club, according to the Washington Post. She also threw batting practice in the MLB in 2011 for the Cleveland Indians, so she is no stranger to professional baseball. Siegal is the founder and head coach of Baseball for All, a nonprofit organization geared to support and encourage girls playing baseball by creating opportunities for them. She has a Ph.D. in sports and exercise psychology.



A's assistant general manager David Forst released a statement on the hiring of Siegal: 

"We're thrilled that Justine will be joining us for Instructional League. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise from years of playing, coaching, and teaching the game, and all of our young players stand to benefit greatly from her time in camp."

The coaching position runs from October 7th to the 17th. While it is not a full-time position, the possibility for her to be brought on is there.

As females continue to break through into the sports world, I feel grateful that I am able to witness it. It's even more gratifying that this news came to me by my 10 yr old, a Girl Scout that believes that women can continue to break glass ceilings. It's encouraging and empowering.

Siegal, the greatest of luck to you. Myself, my daughter, and every girl that ever believed... we're all rooting for you.




-Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804






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