I was delighted to read that Ridgefield High School had successfully incorporated a female player into their baseball program in a way that is safe and fair, and to hear that a national organization was working to create female leagues (“Natalie Evans is first girl to play in Ridgefield’s baseball program and is certain she won’t be the last,” The Columbian, April 13).
There is a long history of Clark County athletes being accommodated in this way, such as my 1980s high school classmate who was allowed to practice (but not play or shower) with our (female) volleyball team. Female wrestlers were given a place in male programs for decades until organizations such as Wrestle Like a Girl helped establish female programs, which now thrive. It is good to see this pattern now in baseball. It was disappointing to read of sexism among male opponents, though.
Unusual athletes of all sorts should be welcome in an appropriate category while acknowledging sex, without compromising the fairness and safety of female leagues. Male athletes have an important role to play here, working against sexism and homophobia as they have successfully worked against toxic nationalisms and racism in the last century.
Congratulations to Ridgefield High School for modeling a solid way forward for gender-nonconforming athletes, while raising better young men.
Play ball!
