Expert: Dennis Girardi - 4/14/2009

Question
I have 8yo twins who are a girl/boy set (and two older sons, only one of whom is still in Little League), and registered all three children to play baseball.  Upon arriving at the first practice, I was told that because they were able to form a girl's softball team, my daughter would not be allowed to play baseball, and must play softball (or not play at all).

My daughter wants to play baseball, not softball.  Can she be barred from the baseball team simply because she has a girl and the league president wants to make a rule that girls play softball and boys only are allowed to play baseball?  Is this true?

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hey Melissa,

I'm afraid things have changed. Since the emergence of girls softball, leagues have changed their name to Boys Little League Baseball. Girls now play softball. Boys baseball. Since there are no major league baseball for girls, people feel that softball is for them. Sorry..
If you hunt hard enough, you may find a league that would allow her to play, but it may not be close to home..
Sorry and good luck..
Dennis