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