A league of her own: Woman added to coaching staff of men’s baseball team

BROCKTON, Mass. -- She's in a league of her own.

Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach for a professional men's team, made her historic debut Thursday with the Brockton Rox.

“It’s for sure not a man’s world because here I am,” Seigal said.

The married mother of one is making national headlines, but if you ask her, she will say that it’s no big deal, and her players will say the same thing -- that they look at her as just another coach.

“Baseball, it’s for everyone and that’s why we should get on the plate. We should let everyone follow their dreams,” Siegal said.

The team’s general manager said the move was not about grabbing headlines.

“She’s coached on five continents, certainly we wouldn’t have added her to the staff if we didn’t think she could help us win,” said Brian Voelkel, Brockton Rox general manager.

Fans in the stands took notice of the team’s new coach.

“As a female athlete myself it says ‘We’re here. We’re finally here,’ ” said one fan.

Siegal comes to the Rox with an impressive resume. She founded a baseball organization for boys and girls, coached this season at Springfield College and is currently getting her Ph.D. in sports psychology.

Seigal plans to bring her 11-year-old on the road with her this seaon.

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