Q: Do you think softball should have a higher pay rate? If so why? If not why?
A: “Yes. In the past 15 years, softball has become more and more popular. More players are playing today than in the past, in part, because National television networks, like ESPN, are broadcasting games and showing the excitement that softball has to offer. And just like with men, being an elite athlete is a talent, takes many hours of hard work and dedication, and pertains to the entertainment industry and these women deserve the right to be recognized for their craft and create a career and profession from it. For that to happen, they need to be able to be provided equal opportunities, especially with increased pay to be able to support themselves and their families.”
Q: Do you think softball gets shadowed compared to baseball? If so why? A: “Yes. Why?…because baseball began back in the days where women weren’t treated as equals. They were expected to be the homemakers and caregivers for a family. The gender inequality of the past has caused softball to be overshadowed and only in the past 15-20 years, has it begun to be recognized.”
Q: Do you think softball and baseball should have equal budgets (ex. Uniforms, fields, etc.) If so why?
A: ”Yes…both of these sports have similar costs and similar number of athletes. Due to the difference in field size, there could be a small discrepancy in maintenance costs, however, they should have similar/comparable budgets, including pay for their coaching staffs, which is generally way out of proportion.”
Should Softball and Baseball Have equal budgets and pay? 