SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — "Girls With Game 50" signs can be found inside the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport. The organization is getting ready for this weekend's Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series.
"It's going to be 96 girls from right around 30 states and provinces, including Williamsport, Loyalsock, Lewisburg, Montoursville, and Danville, will be participating in the event," said Nina Johnson-Pitt, senior strategy executive with Little League International.
This year marks 50 years of girls playing in the Little League program. The Maria Pepe Legacy Series kicks off this Friday with a camp for young female athletes hosted by women who have played professional and college baseball.
Little League named the Legacy Series after Maria Pepe because she's the reason girls are able to play Little League. This is the very first all-girls baseball event held at the Little League International Complex.
"50 years ago, that decision was made, and we wanted to honor Maria for being the original 'girl with the game' by naming this event after her. That's who it's named after, and we hope this is the inaugural event we will be able to continue to host this every year," Johnson-Pitt said.
On Saturday and Sunday, teams will play in three exhibition baseball games.
"Also, one of the events on Saturday is that we'll honor Maria as the original 'girl with game.' It'll be her first time back in Williamsport in—I think she was here 20 years ago for the 30th anniversary, so it'll be her first time back, and we're just really excited to welcome her to Williamsport and play this event in her honor."
Fans are welcome to watch the games on Saturday and Sunday. Games will be played at Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums. Saturday's games will be at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. Sunday's games are at 10 a.m. and noon.