Read On Lead On Program
Read On, Lead On is a nationwide program to help keep girls actively connected to baseball. Started in 2020, this program is focused on a literacy and leadership, and gives baseball players an opportunity to read about, connect with, and learn from notable figures in baseball to inspire them to become future leaders in the game.
Most recently, participants read the award-winning, “Out of Left Field” by Ellen Klages, a story centered around a young girl in baseball fighting for equal rights on the baseball field. During the program, players had the opportunity to engage with a live Q&A with the author and connect with inspirational men and women in baseball during a one-on-one interview to learn what it takes to be a true leader in the sport.
Stay tuned for our next Read On, Lead On Program—coming Spring 2022.
Thank You to Our Mentors
We want to extend a special thanks to all of the Read On, Lead On Mentors currently working in MLB, MiLB, college baseball, and more for generously giving their time to speak one-on-one with players from the program, and giving them insight into the kind of leadership required to work in different areas in baseball.
A.J. Russell |San Diego Padres
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Amanda Daley | Minnesota Twins
Senior Manager, International Administration & Education
Amy Fong- Christianson | Minnesota Twins
Senior Coordinator, AP
Andrea Hayden | Minnesota Twins
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Astrid deGruchy | Pittsburgh Pirates
International Scouting
Bianca Smith | Carroll University
Assistant Baseball Coach/Hitting Coordinator/Assistant Athletic Director
Brad Hyde | New York Yankees
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Brandi Trevino | Los Angeles Dodgers
Manager of Stadium Operations
Brea Hinegardner | Minnesota Twins
Digital Content Manager
Carl Kochan | Los Angeles Dodgers
Latin America Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Chanel Zapata | SABR
Community Engagement Manager
Chelzey Falzone | Minnesota Twins
Coordinator, Community Relations
Christina Whitlock | St. Louis Cardinals
Coach & Scout
Claire Duvendeck | Los Angeles Dodgers
Manager, Business Development
Don Alexander | Los Angeles Dodgers
Pitching Coordinator
Doug Jarrow | Chicago Cubs
Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Duncan Webb | Los Angeles Dodgers
Director, Baseball Resources
Esteban Navarro Garaiz | Los Angeles Dodgers
Quantitative Analyst
Evamaria Balderas | San Diego Padres
Athletic Trainer
Hannah Karl | Minnesota Twins
Consumer Insights Analyst
Jen Wolf | Cleveland Indians
Life Skills Coordinator
Jenn Reiner-Marcello | Minnesota Twins
Reconditioning and Performance Therapist
Jon Chapper | Los Angeles Dodgers
Assistant Director, Public Relations
Jonah Rosenthal | Los Angeles Dodgers
Professional Scout
Jordan Kurtz | Los Angeles Dodgers
Statistician
Julie Vavruska | Minnesota Twins
Senior Manager, Community Engagement & Events
Kate Townley | Minnesota Twins
Director, Baseball Administration
Kinza Baad | Pittsburgh Pirates
Assistant, Pro Scouting
Kristin Rortvedt | Minnesota Twins
Director, Community Relations
Linda Merlo | Minnesota Twins
Supervisor, Language and Culture
Lori Windschitl | Minnesota Twins
Director of Accounting
Lyndsey Taylor | Minnesota Twins
Senior Accountant
Mary Marandi | Minor League Baseball
Corporate Communications
Mel Yackley | Minnesota Twins
Executive Legal Assistant
Mia Salvemini | Tampa Bay Rays
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Molly Partyka | Minnesota Twins
Administrator Payroll HRIS
Rachel Haselhorst, Minnesota Twins
Graphic Designer
Rasa Troup | Minnesota Twins
Sports Dietician
Rigo Febles | New York Yankees
Player Development Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Ryan Sienko | Los Angeles Dodgers
Catching Coordinator
Sean Dahlin | Central Washington University
Assistant Professor of Sport Management/Coaching
Shelley Andrew | Minnesota Twins
Manager, Business Systems
Stephen Yoo | Toronto Bue Jays
Pro Scout
Tim Penprase | Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy E|L1
District Manager
Tony Cappuccilli | Los Angeles Dodgers
Coach
Virginia de la Riva | Minnesota Twins
Developer, Business Systems