Minnesota Twins Launch First All-Girls 14U Baseball Team for National Competition

The Minnesota Twins are breaking new ground in the realm of youth sports by fully funding the first all-girls 14U baseball team in Major League Baseball history. This initiative not only supports the athletes but also aims to inspire future generations of female players.

Practices take place at Billy Peterson Field in St. Paul, where young athletes travel from various states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, to participate. The commitment to the sport is evident as players gather, united by their passion for baseball.

"It's so crazy to me that there's this many girls that we can form a team," expressed Kyleigh Salden, a 14-year-old catcher and pitcher, who is thrilled about the opportunity. Her excitement was palpable when she recounted receiving the call that confirmed her place on the team. "I was just screaming in my head. I was so happy," she added.

Salden's journey in baseball began at the age of three in Waconia, Minnesota, where she played on boys' teams. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, "When I'm playing baseball with all the guys, there's a whole bunch of highs and there's a whole bunch of lows, but with this team, it's all equal and we're all the same, so it's just amazing."

Head coach Chelsey Falzone shares in the joy of this momentous occasion. She recalls her own childhood aspirations, wishing for opportunities like this when she was younger. "This is a dream come true for me every day. I was a little girl, just like these girls, and all I wanted to do was play baseball," Falzone reminisced. "My only opportunity to do that was to play on my brother's team."

The team consists of 13 dedicated young women who proudly don uniforms emblazoned with the iconic "TC" logo. "This is the Minnesota Twins saying, 'Girls belong in baseball, period,'" Falzone stated emphatically.

Falzone emphasizes the positive impact this team has on its players. "The girls can relax a bit more if they make a bad throw or have an error. All eyes are not on them out here, like they are when they go play at their leagues because they're the only ponytail on the field," she explained.

As the sole all-girls team in Minnesota, they are now preparing for national competition in Reno, Nevada, set for July 21. This tournament will feature teams from across the country and beyond, and the hope is that it will generate local interest in girls' baseball, leading to more opportunities closer to home.

"We feel this is a small step, but a mighty step," Falzone remarked, highlighting the significance of their journey.

Salden echoed this sentiment, expressing her desire for the team to continue thriving: "I just hope this team keeps playing, and I can be on the team as long as possible."

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund is sponsoring the team, providing essential resources such as practice fields and uniforms. The team's achievements were celebrated during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a proud moment for everyone involved.

Marielle Mohs is excited to share these inspiring stories from her home state of Minnesota, where she grew up in Eden Prairie and South Minneapolis.