Rockford’s Lil Peaches continue to grow girl’s interest in baseball

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Lil Peaches invited a brand-new girls’ little baseball league to compete in the first “League of Their Own” competition on Saturday.

Historic Beyer Stadium, the home of the Rockford Peaches, was the site for this all-girls event. Lil Peaches coach and former player Beth Layng said it is a full-circle moment for her.

“I also played Little League, but I didn’t have the pleasure of being able to play with all girls. I played with boys,” said Layng. “So I think this is an awesome opportunity that these girls get to have. And it’s fun to be a part of.”

Children’s interest in baseball is at its peak with youth participation in the sport reaching nearly 17 million last year, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. This is the highest participation number since 2008.

Over 100,000 girls are a part of that 17 million, according to Baseball For All.

“Women and girls sports are kind of making a headway. I think that’s a beautiful thing,” said Layng. “I think it gives more options, more ability, more things for girls to take part in. So I think it’s an awesome thing. And to be a part of it is an honor.”

The Lil Peaches played against a mix of five teams from Chicago, one of the teams is even named the Rockford Peaches. Coach Richard Wanzo aims to not only teach about the game of baseball but also equality.

“What we tell our daughter is, you know, you have equal rights in this world and you should be able to do anything that that a male should do,” said Wanzo. “So I’ve said this before, it’s probably one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever had. And to see my daughter be able to thrive in a league like this and see the smile on her face is amazing.”

Layng said she hopes the partnership between Rockford and Chicago only grows the game.

“Today [was an] eye-opener for me. I wasn’t aware of the team, the league in Chicago, so I think that’s awesome,” said Layng. “It just gives us more opportunities to, you know, come together like we are today and be able to some to make the word out there and make it grow even bigger.”

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