The Lucky Horseshoes are excited to announce former USA Softball Olympian and three-time gold medalist Leah Amico will be joining the Springfield Sallies as guest manager during the Battle of the Sexes on June 28th, 2024 at Robin Robin Roberts Stadium.
The Battle of the Sexes comes from a long and devout history of baseball in Springfield, Illinois. During the first World War, many baseball players were sent overseas to battle. Professional baseball leagues suffered greatly because of the player losses and experienced low attendance to these games during the war. In an effort to entertain and attract more people to games a new league was formed called the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. This league allowed females to play baseball at a professional level and in front of a large audience during World War 1. In 1948, Springfield founded a team to compete in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The female professional baseball team, The Springfield Sallies, were welcomed to the league. The Sallies were only based in Springfield from 1948 to 1950, however, the Lucky Horseshoes continue to honor their legacy by hosting this game each season.
The 2024 Battle of the Sexes will mark the third consecutive year that the Horseshoes will host this exhibition game. In this matchup, Lucky Horseshoes’ players will face off against the Sallies, a team comprised of local all-star high school and collegiate softball players, in an exciting exhibition with full fast-pitch softball rules.
Former Olympian Leah Amico will guest manage the Sallies during Battle of the Sexes in an attempt to lead them to their second consecutive victory against the ‘Shoes.
“I am so excited to be coming to Springfield to be a guest manager at the Battle of the Sexes Game with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. The game of softball has taken me around the world, and I feel grateful to be a part of it in this way this summer. I can’t wait to watch these athletes compete and I know it will be a great time for the teams and the fans as well,” remarked Amico.
Leah Amico was a part of the University of Arizona softball team from 1993 to 1997 as an outfielder. The California native is commonly regarded for her batting as she broke several collegiate records during her time at Arizona University including career batting average and doubles. Her collegiate career at Arizona was successful as she was a three-time NCAA National Champion and three-time NCAA All-American. The outfielder was also a six-time Amateur Softball Association (ASA) All-American and also won the 1997 NCAA Women of the Year for the state of Arizona. After graduating, the former Arizona Wildcat would become a part of Team USA for the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics. Amico would go on to win gold medals in all three years of her Olympic career.
‘Shoes Director of Swag and Events Melissa Gaynor is looking forward to a third year of showcasing the impact and importance of softball and women’s sports right here at Robin Roberts Stadium.
“We are thrilled to highlight the exceptional talent in women’s sports and generate excitement for future events at Robin Roberts Stadium. This is a powerful opportunity to celebrate and elevate women’s athletics, inspiring the next generation of female athletes,” said Gaynor.
Battle of the Sexes will start at 6:30 pm on June 28th, 2024 with VIP Meet & Greet Tickets with Leah Amico also available. Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.ShoesBaseball.Com
