Unveiling the Passion and Promise of Women’s Baseball: "See Her Be Her"
"It is a passion. It’s a dream. It’s a commitment. And now, it has become a responsibility."
- Jeff Idelson, Former Baseball Hall of Fame President
Driven by an unyielding passion and a shared vision, former Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson and award-winning photographer Jean Fruth embarked on an extraordinary journey to unravel the captivating stories of women’s baseball players around the globe. Their travels spanned from the vibrant streets of Uganda to the iconic shores of Cuba, from the bustling cities of Japan to the sun-drenched beaches of Puerto Rico, from the tech-savvy streets of South Korea to the diverse landscapes of Canada. Their mission: to capture the essence of the game as seen through the eyes of these remarkable athletes.
"The point of the film is to raise visibility for these women. We need to shine light on the women’s baseball game."
- Jean Fruth, Photographer
The fruit of their labor, a poignant documentary titled "See Her Be Her," unveils the aspirations, challenges, and triumphs of seven extraordinary women from seven different countries. These fearless individuals share their unwavering love for the game, breaking down barriers and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams.
"I would have loved to have seen Elly play baseball, but at the time, there was just no outlet for girls to play the game."
- Cal Ripken Jr., Hall of Famer
The documentary shines a spotlight on the systemic inequities faced by female athletes, particularly in the realm of baseball. Cal Ripken Jr., a legendary Hall of Famer, expresses his admiration for his older sister, Elly, who possessed exceptional baseball skills but was denied the opportunity to showcase her talent due to the lack of opportunities for girls in the sport.
"Hey, if your dreams aren’t scary, they’re not big enough."
- Kelsie Whitmore, Oakland Ballers Pitcher
Kelsie Whitmore, a trailblazing athlete who made history as the first female to play in a full-season league partnered with Major League Baseball, embodies the determination and resilience required to overcome obstacles. Her inspirational words serve as a reminder to dream boldly and strive for greatness.
"Baseball consumes my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."
- Ayami Sato, Japanese Baseball Star
Ayami Sato, widely recognized as the world’s foremost female baseball player, exemplifies the unwavering commitment and passion that drives these athletes. Her remarkable achievements, including five gold medals for Japan and three consecutive MVP awards at the World Cup, stand as a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.
"Every girl should have the same dream as every boy would have."
- Billy Jean King, Tennis Legend and Co-Owner of Los Angeles Dodgers
The documentary advocates for inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in baseball. Billy Jean King, a groundbreaking tennis player and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, echoes the sentiment that every young girl deserves the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
"It’s happening in other countries. They just need the visibility because people have no idea that women are playing professional baseball around the world."
- Jeff Idelson, Former Baseball Hall of Fame President
The documentary highlights the progress made in other countries, such as Japan, Canada, and Cuba, where women’s baseball has gained significant recognition and participation. Idelson emphasizes the need for greater visibility to raise awareness and inspire more women to embrace the sport.
"As minds become more open and the gender gap narrows, women will continue to change the game for the better and for good."
- Ken Griffey Jr., Hall of Famer
The future of women’s baseball holds immense promise. As societal attitudes evolve and gender disparities diminish, women will continue to shatter stereotypes and make their mark in the sport. Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. envisions a future where young women play alongside their mothers in major league games, a testament to the transformative power of inclusivity and the boundless potential of women in baseball.
"See Her Be Her" is more than just a film; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women athletes and a clarion call for change. It is a story of passion, determination, and the unwavering belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender.
