Justin Siegal becomes first female to make history in Cleveland Indians practice session – MLB News
Justin Siegal made history by becoming the first female to pitch in a practice session of the Cleveland Indians. It had long been her desire to throw in the Major League Baseball level and her wish came true as she was allowed to pitch in the Indians practice
session.
Siegal received a call from the Indians inviting her to throw some pitches in their practice session for some of their prospects. "I've been thinking about this almost every hour for the past month," Siegel said.
Justin’s daughter Jasmine was excited for her Mom and made following comments.
“Yeah, I’m proud,” Jasmine Siegel said. “Thing is, I can see her pitch any time. I can wake up any morning and see her throw.”
Justin has set an example for girls showing that if you put your mind to something and work hard then anything is possible. She had pitched to a few Minor Leaguers and impressed Indians’ manager Manny Acta. He arranged for a session for her to throw to three
Major League catchers Juan Apodaca, Paul Phillies and Lou Marson.
Siegal is a Cleveland native as her father and grandfather have been fans of the Indians throughout their lives and appreciated her to take part in the hardball instead of softball.
"It's in my blood," she said. "I wanted to be Orel Hershiser."
Siegal has played baseball for her school and used to pitch close to 70 mph during high school. She was the coach for the male teams at Springfield College and Brockton Rox. She has worked hard at being a part of baseball despite the bias in the sport.
The Indians should be commended for allowing Siegal come in throw a few pitches, making a life-long dream come true for her. It is hoped that more sessions like this one can be done across the League to allow women and girls to participate and draw some
interest about baseball. As far as Siegal is concerned, it is obvious she will be remembering this moment for the rest of her life, as she made MLB history.
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