SAN FRANCISCO — A small group of women from Uganda gathered around a screen, their eyes shining as they watched a highlight reel from last year’s baseball World Cup qualifying matches. Each one took turns expressing their aspirations to shine on the global sports stage one day. It’s hoped that one of these women could become an international star like U.S. pitcher Kelsie Whitmore or Japan’s Ayami Sato, as women’s baseball continues to grow in Uganda.
“Baseball has made a significant difference in our lives,” shared Lillian Nayiga, a single mother who is both playing baseball in Uganda and teaching the sport to other women. In the forthcoming documentary titled “See Her Be Her,” sports photographer Jean Fruth and her team shine a light on seven remarkable women from various parts of the world including the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, South Korea, Cuba, and Uganda. These women are breaking barriers and showcasing their commitment to the game beyond just playing.
Kelsie Whitmore, who made headlines two years ago as the first woman to sign with a regular-season men’s professional team in an MLB partner league, is part of the film. Whitmore pitched for the independent Oakland Ballers this past summer and became the first woman to start a game in the Pioneer League. “We represent women in sports, which is a powerful message,” Whitmore commented.
The documentary, spanning nearly two hours, will premiere Sunday night on the MLB Network between Games 2 and 3 of the World Series. It covers the journey of several teams during the qualification for this year’s Women’s Baseball World Cup, ultimately won by Japan, represented by Sato, who defeated the U.S.
Among the featured women is Canadian Alli Schroder, who balances intense two-week stints fighting major wildfires while playing baseball. Despite battling serious injuries that hinder her playing, including a burn on her hand from an ash pit, she remains committed to the sport. “Nothing compares to working long shifts fighting fires, which puts things in perspective for me when I face pressure in a baseball game,” Schroder said.
Korean player Soyeon Park typically dedicates her weekends to baseball while pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot. Meanwhile, in Cuba, first baseman Libia Duarte aspires to elevate the status of women’s baseball, challenging the notion that women should solely be homemakers. Gabby Vélez from Puerto Rico has also faced her own mental health battles, while each athlete strives to forge a smoother path for younger generations.
“These women are incredibly inspiring,” Fruth remarked. “Their stories have touched my heart.” Each one has overcome unique challenges in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Whitmore keeps a screenshot on her phone of negative comments she’s received on social media, using it as motivation to prove detractors wrong.
Additionally, the women in the documentary have garnered support from notable figures such as former Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki. He has taken on the role of ambassador for women’s baseball in Japan. “People flock to Major League Baseball, yet women’s baseball lacks the same visibility,” Suzuki states in the film. “We must create opportunities for women’s baseball to flourish, igniting motivation to continue this momentum globally.”
Support from established baseball figures like Ferguson Jenkins, Cal Ripken Jr., and Jimmy Rollins adds strength to their mission, recognizing that female representation in baseball is still evolving. “There’s no Cal Ripken Jr. for women’s baseball — at least not yet,” Fruth highlighted.
The documentary initiative is a project of the non-profit organization Grassroots Baseball, founded by Fruth and Jeff Idelson, former president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Their travels across six countries and Puerto Rico aimed to portray the dedication and talent of women engaging in baseball globally.
Former Milwaukee Brewers CEO and now executive producer Wendy Selig-Prieb expressed her excitement for the project at a time when women’s sports are gaining unprecedented interest. “Watching the complete film was an empowering, inspirational experience. The competitive quality globally surpassed my expectations, shining a light on women’s baseball’s present achievements and future potential,” Selig-Prieb stated.
Alongside the film, Grassroots Baseball will also release a book featuring a collection of Fruth’s photographs from the project. Selig-Prieb hopes that the documentary will inspire girls and women everywhere to realize their potential, regardless of their chosen path. “’See Her Be Her’ encapsulates the essence of the film. I never aimed to be the first woman in anything, but sometimes that’s the path we find ourselves on. With that comes a voice, and I aim to use mine to uplift others,” she concluded.
In Uganda, the passion for baseball shines brightly, even as some women show up to practice without shoes or dressed in casual attire. The joyful players unite in a circle, dancing and sharing their dreams. “I want to pitch at 90 mph,” one player excitedly shares, while another adds, “I aspire to be a professional catcher.”
Support from American players such as Whitmore, Anna Kimbrell, Ashton Lansdell, and Meggie Meidlinger has been instrumental in promoting baseball in Uganda through clinics and mentorship. The initiative transcends the sport itself. “It’s about drawing in every girl who loves baseball and being a role model for them,” remarked Whitmore.