The marketing department of every Major League Baseball team gives their best effort to creating products for women fans. Or, at least they try. Female fans often talk about the amount of pink merchandise, and that they'd simply like more options. And maybe just similiar choices to that of guy fans. But this story reaches beyond the available stuff on the shelves of stadium stores and online outlets. And it goes beyond even what can be bought. These ladies have a lot on their minds for their teams, as well, and they were asked what's dancing in their heads, realistic or not, buyable or not, that they'd like to see "under the tree" this year.
Nationals super fan Jen Underwood broke it down into categories: "Pipe dream wish" and "Practical wish". And she's extremely specific with her fantasy item.
"Tony Kemp in a taco truck bobblehead from the Fresno Grizzlies," she said. Then, she gets a little more serious, giving high marks to the Nats for one apparel item. "Nats ugly Christmas sweater. Which isn't ugly at all! MLB has a beautiful one."
Olivia Coiro also has apparel on the brain. The founder of the website Sparkles and Sports, and a Yankees fan, just wants one item that'll stand the test of time and a thousand washes.
"I'm asking for a white Yankees hat. My navy one has always been a staple, but they fade so quickly on me because I run in them. So I'm asking for the white one in hopes of it lasting more than a year or two."
See there MLB teams? The ladies love baseball apparel that doesn't come in pink. Pay attention, we're not done yet!
"Hoby Milner and Rhys Hoskins jerseys," says Phillies fan and Lakewood Blue Claws (Phillies Class-A affiliate) host mom Lee Ann.
She also mentioned a purse from Baseballism, the popular company that designs highly creative merchandise for baseball fans, with some especially great items for women. Dodgers Digest writer and YouTube host Stacie Wheeler had a simple answer.
"Anything from Baseballism."
And Patti Gibbons, who loves her Mets, loves the glove leather totes and purses on the site, saying, "[They're] divine. Pricey, but I like them a lot more than the even pricier D&B MLB branded bags."
Sweet swag is definitely on the list, but what about the business of baseball? Fans wait by the window in winter for baseball season (thanks Rogers Hornsby!), as the Winter Meetings unfold and teams go into the coldest months trying to warm the hearts of fans...ok, no, it's more that they have a payroll and they need to build a team they can afford. But they do love the fans! Hey, this is a Christmas story. Needs to have a happy tone.
So what's on the team wish list for the ladies in this tale?
Jays fan Joanna's first answer: "A balanced schedule." She went on to say that she's envisioning a plum season that's a repeat. "Another season like the second half of 2015." And Krystyn Daniels wants the Jays to make a Christmas miracle happen. "I want the team to sign Jose Bautista back."
Cardinals fan Diane Schultz answer came before the BIG signing of the winter. "Giancarlo Stanton to be signed by the Cardinals."
Well, that one would've looked nice under the Cardinals Christmas tree. Sorry Diane!
Back to apparel, she also asked for one of those Dooney and Burke MLB branded purses, a Cards one obviously. And Rose Ann Sapia was looking for some warmth from her San Francisco Giants asking for a, "I would LOVE the Buster Hugs blanket they gave away as a promo this year."
How about a few more gear gift requests? Let's go girls!
Laura, who co-hosts the podcast Restin Pitch Face, wants jerseys galore, saying, "My wish would be women's cut jerseys or Nationals players other than [Bryce] Harper, [Max] Scherzer and [Jayson] Werth. I'd probably get [Anthony] Rendon, but I want to have the option without paying extra for custom." To be specific, Laura's gift would be for Hanukkah.
@steelchick37 wants, "A full set of bobbleheads," and Cathy Regina and Cindy Bush have two really cool yule requests.
"To watch a Pirates game sitting in the dugout with the guys," said Bush. And Regina wants, "to see a game in every stadium."
The love of baseball runs deep, of course. There were more emotional replies and thoughts of a future where women in baseball see big changes.
"A big one for me was the Jays finally having a Pride Night. And they're doing it! So that's a big relief," tweeted @GirlSwagger101.
Patty M. spoke for many female fans.
"I wish to be accepted for my knowledge of baseball without having to jump through hoops answering questions about baseball, and then get, "Wow, you really know your stuff," or "Your really learned a lot from your husband/dad/brother," she said.
Indeed, that'd be nice. But, Patty, you've got nothing to prove to those guys.
Since we're on the subject of baseball being a more equal place for women, here's what a couple of women said about what they hope for down the road, not exactly expecting these gifts anytime soon.
"Women in these roles: Player in the MLB, Umpire, Front Office, Trainers, Clubhouse Staff," said @Lesley_Nope. Joanna, who wants the Jays to have another 2015, added, "A female executive (a GM) or twelve in the next five years. And another season of "Pitch" (now cancelled TV show about the fictional first female MLB player) or a Netflix revival."
My favorite answer, if I may inject myself into the story, came from @Mercy2Juan0.
"My dream gift is to get a CitiField brick with an inscription to my grandfather. He was the one (along with my mom) who made me a Mets fan. They both became Mets fans in 1962 and never looked back," she said. "He passed away in 1987, a few months after they won the World Series, so honoring him would be the perfect gift."
Wishing all of these women, and all female baseball fans, a glorious baseball Christmas. May you get that player jersey, great season and, especially, that tribute to your late grandfather.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Holidays!
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