Over the years, interest in women playing baseball has drastically increased. We are seeing more numbers now than ever before, and with that comes new opportunities, such as the inception of the Women's Pro Baseball League, which is set to launch in 2026.
In 2026, the Women's Baseball World Cup will also take place, with the group stage being hosted at historic Beyer Stadium in Rockford, Illinois. This was home to the Rockford Peaches, depicted in the movie "A League of Their Own," starring Tom Hanks.
The stadium has undergone renovations over the years and has hosted games, served as a football field, and hosted various other events. Now, it is set to receive the biggest renovation it has seen yet, thanks to the New York Mets.
Mets' owners provide huge donation to renovate Beyer Stadium
Mets' owners Steve and Alex Cohen have stepped up to the plate and donated over $2 million to the International Women's Baseball Center, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport, via The Athletic. The Cohens gave a $2 million grant, while the Amazin' Mets Foundation granted $350,000.
"Maybelle Blair is a baseball trailblazer and truly in a league of her own," said Alex Cohen. "In her honor, we are proud to support the International Women's Baseball Center as they inspire the next generation of players and preserve the legacy of women in baseball."
The bleachers will be named the Cohen Bleachers, and the press box will be named after the Amazin' Mets Foundation. The park surrounding the area will be named Maybelle Blair Park in honor of the IWBC founding director.
According to My Stateline, the city of Rockford also got in on the donations, donating $1,500,00 to the project, and the state of Illinois donated $400,000. Phase one of renovations is expected to be completed in 2026, just in time for group play for the Women's Baseball World Cup.