The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) named Horace Mann as its Official Founding Partner and the Official Multiline Insurance and Financial Services Partner for the WPBL’s inaugural season.
Co-founded by Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach a professional men’s baseball team and to pitch batting practice in Major League Baseball, The Women’s Pro Baseball League is the only professional baseball league in the United States and will kick off its inaugural season with its four teams: the New York Heights, Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, and San Francisco Firebells on August 1 at the Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois.
“Educators are the true heroes who help shape the character and dreams of our youth. Through this exciting partnership with Horace Mann, our WPBL players will get the unique opportunity to honor those who have championed them on and off the field,” said Keith Stein, CEO of the WPBL.
Players and league officials will visit one elementary school that will receive a makeover, delivering an inspirational assembly, Q&A and autograph session, and baseball skills demonstration. Horace Mann and the WPBL will also donate baseball equipment to the selected school.
“Together, we are not only celebrating these remarkable teachers, but we are also bringing visible role models to girls everywhere, showing them that with education, perseverance, and a love of the game, anything is possible,” said Stein.
Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest multiline financial services company focused on educators and individuals who serve their communities to achieve lasting financial success. The company delivers both individual and group financial services customized to American educators seeking help.
“From providing insurance and financial solutions to recognizing the extraordinary impact teachers have on their students, we’re proud to champion those who shape future generations. Partnering with the Women’s Professional Baseball League gives us another meaningful way to celebrate educators while supporting a historic moment in women’s sports,” said Marita Zuraitis, President and CEO of Horace Mann.
The WPBL’s inaugural Teacher & Educator Appreciation Night will be held on August 5 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
Throughout the first season, every Wednesday, Horace Mann and the WPBL will host Teacher and Educator Appreciation Nights Presented by Horace Mann, to highlight educators making a difference in their communities. Two complimentary tickets will be provided to any educator in the United States with a valid school ID.
Wednesday will also be a chance for WPBL players to share personal stories about teachers who have impacted their lives and fostered their love of baseball.
Additionally, the “Teacher of the Night Experience” will be awarded to one outstanding educator. The honor includes front-row “Teacher’s Box” seating for four guests, a ceremonial first pitch, live public address, video board and broadcast recognition, player meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities. Complimentary tickets will be given to students from the winning teacher’s school to support their educator.
The WPBL’s opening weekend is scheduled on August 1, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Team USA’s Denae Benites and Kylee Lahners, of the New York Heights, face the Los Angeles Queen’s Mo’ne Davis, Team USA’s Ashton Lansdell, and Ayami Sato.
The second game is scheduled for August 2 at 6:30 p.m. CST. Kelsie Whitmore of the San Francisco Firebells is face-to-face with Boston Hunters’ Hyeonah Kim and Canadian National team star Alli Schroder.
For more information on the WPBL, visit www.womensprobaseballleague.com.
Photos by Women’s Pro Baseball League.
Digital and Editorial Summer intern for Listen in with KNN.