We are proud to provide our players and coaches with unique and exclusive events during BFA Nationals 2024 at The Ripken Experience Elizabethtown. All events are free to our participants. Check back for updates on even more exciting events that may be added throughout the tournament.
Please contact us at lena@baseballforall.com with further questions.
Opening CeremoniesLocation:
The Ripken Experience Elizabethtown
1401 West Park Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Note: Teams and their coaches will be lining up in a “staging area” on Field 11 before they parade onto the Field 9. Volunteers will be on site to help guide you and your team to your designated spot.
Time:
3:30 PM: Coaches’ Check-In // teams + players start to arrive
6:00 PM Teams line up for parade on FIELD 11
6:30 PM: Opening Ceremony Parade begins on FIELD 9
Dress: Full uniform (sneakers or rubber cleats; BFA hat)
Concessions: Select concession stands will be open. Credit cards accepted.
Cost: FREE admission and parking
Summary:
All players, parents, and families are invited to join us as we kick off the 9th annual BFA Nationals. Families are welcome to watch from the stands as all players parade in and gather with 650+ girls in baseball and coaches from across North America, and enjoy other festivities including welcoming remarks, photos, and more. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis; families are encouraged to bring seating and pop-up tents to enjoy Opening Ceremonies.
Girls Baseball Umpiring SessionLocation: Grassy area between Field 9 & 11 // Ripken Experience Elizabethtown
Time: Immediately following Opening Ceremonies
Kate Hart, an accomplished, award-winning umpire, and BFA Umpire Coordinator, Kathleen Morrison, will be hosting an all-ages umpiring session for girls interested in learning the basics of umpiring immediately after Opening Ceremonies. During this quick 30-minute tutorial, players will learn the essential ins and outs of umpiring and see it come to life during the 18U game on FIELD 9.
Most recently, Kate Hart became among the first women to umpire in the Pioneer Baseball League during an Oakland Ballers game, featuring Kelsie Whitmore as the starting pitcher. Kathleen Morrison has worked extensively in elite levels of the game, including NCAA baseball.
This is a FREE event open to all players competing at BFA Nationals.
This is a FREE event and open to all BFA Nationals participants.
Location: Field 1 // Ripken Experience Elizabethtown
Time: 5PM – 6PM
This year, we’re thrilled to host players from the Special Olympics organization to compete in a co-ed game before we kick off BFA Nationals 2024. All families and teams are invited to come out and cheer on these athletes before Opening Ceremonies this year.
This is a FREE event and open to all BFA Nationals participants.
Reaching the Next Level in Baseball with Beth Greenwood | Monday, July 8, 2024Location: Main Pavillion
Time: 2PM – 2:45PM
All players are invited to meet and hear from BFA alumnae, Beth Greenwood. After playing Varsity high school baseball, earning her spot on the NCAA Division 3 baseball program at the University of Rochester and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, and becoming a BFA board member, Beth is now working as a Development Coach with the Philadelphia Phillies’ High-A affiliate, the Jersey BlueClaws. Hear more about her powerful baseball journey and learn more about what it takes to play, coach, and lead at the next level.
This is a FREE event and open to all BFA Nationals participants.
Location: Main Pavillion
Time: 9AM – 9:30 AM // 12PM – 12:30PM
As a former Director of Mental Performance for the Cincinnati Reds, Vanessa Shannon knows how to help even the most elite athletes improve their mental game. Learn quick tips and get expert insight on how to take your performance on the field to the next level.
This is a FREE event and open to all BFA Nationals participants.
Meet & Greet with Maybelle Blair and Anika OrrockLocation: Main Pavillion
Time: 1:30PM – 2:15PM
Get the chance to meet the one and only Maybelle Blair of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League and the extraordinary Anika Orrock, an award-winning illustrator and nationally celebrated author, humorist, and cartoonist who has published multiple books centered around girls & women in baseball. Swing by to get autographs and photos during this session—exclusively available for BFA Nationals participants and families.
A handpicked selection of Anika’s work including The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League and limited-edition prints will be available for purchase and autographs.
This event is FREE for all BFA Nationals participants and fans.
Location: Louisville Slugger Field
Meet outside of Witherspoon Gate (corner of N. Preston St. & E. Witherspoon St.). All players must purchase tickets. Coaches will walk teams back into the stadium after the parade and connect with their respective families.
Time: 5:30 PM
(NOTE: Please arrive on time. Players who arrive after 5:40 PM will not be able to participate in the on-field parade.)
Attire: Players should wear BFA Nationals 2024 hats and their team jersey (or a team t-shirt)
Cost: Free on-field parade with purchase of ticket for the evening’s game | Get tickets HERE
Join us in Louisville during the official Baseball For All night at the Louisville Bats game. This Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds invites all BFA Nationals teams to participate in an on-field, pre-game parade — and then to stay and watch the hometown team take on the St. Paul Saints.
Meet & Greet with Maybelle BlairLocation: Main Pavillion
Time: 1:30PM – 2PM
Swing by for your final chance to get a photo and autograph from the legendary Maybelle Blair, a member of the original All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League.
This event is FREE for all BFAD Nationals participants and fans.
Location: Bosse Field | 23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN 47711
Time: 11:30PM–4:30PM
All fans are welcome to watch a full day of games as our 18U teams play at the historic Bosse Field, the home of the Racine Belles in the classic 1992 film, A League of Their Own. The stadium has also been recorded as one of the oldest still in use in the country.
Admission is FREE for all spectators.
Location:
Main Pavillion (unless otherwise instructed)
Time:
Immediately following each medal game.
Dress:
Stay in full uniform, jerseys tucked in.
Summary:
All medals for first, second, and third place will be awarded to winning teams. Two additional BFA Nationals medal categories will also be handed out during these ceremonies.
Maybelle Blair Award
A medal awarded to all participants in our youngest division that honors Maybelle Blair, a member of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League. This award celebrates her absolute joy and tireless commitment to growing the game for girls in baseball.
Shirley “Hustle” Burkovich Award
A medal awarded to one team in each division that pays tribute to the late Shirley Burkovich, a member of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League and a long-time advocate for girls in baseball. This medal is awarded to the team who demonstrates the most hustle, heart, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Note: Photos and video will be taken.
