Join VLL in celebrating the many contributions female players (as well as women coaches) have made to the game of Little League baseball over the past 50 years. The league's annual "Girls With Game" recognition event will take place this Wednesday at Yeonas Park's Nance Field, beginning at 5:30 PM (UPDATE: alternate site if Nance is closed will be Black Field at Nottoway Park). Featured guests will include:

• 2023 Little League World Series alumnus Stella Weaver, one of nearly two-dozen girls who have played in the Williamsport, PA, tournament. Stella -- a cousin of VLL's own 12-year-old phenom Mitch Weaver -- and her Nolensville, Tennessee, Little League squad ("Stella & the Fellas") topped the Vienna American Majors All-Star team last summer to capture the Southeast Regional title and a berth in the LLWS.

• Current VLL player Caroline Braden, one of 96 girls participating in the "Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series," the first-ever all-girls baseball event at the LLWS complex in Williamsport, next month.

• VLL alumnus MJ Melvin, a two-time Vienna American All-Star and now a freshman member of the 2024 state champion Bishop O'Connell High School softball team

These three girls are shining examples of female players who have made Little League baseball bigger and better for all players. Wednesday's event will include a Q&A session with Stella, activities for players (girls & any boys who think they can keep up), autograph opportunities, and some other surprises.