Women in Baseball: A Growing Force Recognized and Celebrated
The baseball world is witnessing a powerful shift, and the recent Katy Feeney Leadership Awards in Orlando showcased this transformation. The event celebrated the increasing number of women in leadership roles, a trend that is reshaping the sport's landscape.
Outside the Signia by Hilton Orlando, a remarkable scene unfolded. Over 30 women, each representing a different Major League club, stood proudly as recipients of the prestigious Katy Feeney Leadership Award. This award pays tribute to Katy Feeney, a groundbreaking female baseball executive, by acknowledging the outstanding contributions of women in the sport. The honorees, from various roles like legal affairs, community engagement, and baseball operations, gathered for a group photo, symbolizing the expanding influence of women in baseball.
But here's where it gets personal: April Brown, MLB senior vice president of social responsibility, emphasized the impact of these women. She noted that the event brought together leaders from all corners of the sport, from the front office to the baseball operations side, to celebrate the spirit of Katy Feeney, a true pioneer. And among them was Kim Ng, the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, who shared her own inspiring journey and the influence of Katy Feeney.
The awards have grown beyond a mere recognition since their inception in 2017. They have fostered a thriving community of female leaders in baseball. As April Brown revealed, the program now includes alumni mentorship, creating a network that continues to expand and empower women in the sport.
And this is where it gets controversial: In a traditionally male-dominated industry, the rise of women in baseball leadership raises questions. Are these awards a sign of true progress, or are they merely a token gesture? Is the baseball world genuinely embracing diversity, or is there still a long way to go?
The list of 2025 Katy Feeney Leadership Award recipients is a testament to the growing female presence in baseball:
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Summer Comstock, Sr. Director, Legal Affairs/Associate General Counsel
- Atlanta Braves: Danielle Bedasse, Vice President, Community Affairs & Executive Director
- Baltimore Orioles: Eve Rosenbaum, Assistant GM, Ball Park Ops
- ...
- Washington Nationals: Ashleigh Hazley, Sr. Director of Youth Programming
- Major League Baseball (BOC): Melanie Lee, Sr. Director, Ball Park Operations
- MLB Network: Stephanie Scarpulla, Vice President, Music & Media Clearance and Global Music Partnerships
What do you think? Is the baseball world doing enough to promote gender diversity, or should it strive for more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
