By Nicole MOORE

On Sunday, StandStill Baseball was introduced at the Glendale Sports Complex. The demonstration consisted of two one-hour games with six
female players and six male players on opposing teams. Mike Boyd, a former player for the L.A. Dodgers and the Oakland As, created StandStill Baseball. Boyd provided lively commentary throughout this family-friendly event and continually voiced his support for the women’s team.

Boyd marked the significance of the event, telling onlookers this was the first time women and men have played against each other in the game of StandStill Baseball.

“We are seeing history today. Let’s
put our hands together for history. Let’s put our hands together for the ladies,” Boyd cheered.

Jay Johnstone, who played for the L.A. Dodgers in the early 1980s and was known for his humorous antics on the field, also came out to support the event.

“I’m very excited to see the girls playing out there. I wish them good luck,” Johnstone said.

In creating StandStill Baseball, Boyd modified the rules of traditional baseball in order for the game to have a more equal playing field for both men and women. While StandStill Baseball does follow basic over-the-line rules, various changes to the game have been made. For example, there are no innings because the games are time based. Additionally, running is not allowed and, if the ball in play is not immediately caught, the batter gets a base. Other rules include one strike is equivalent to an out, two balls allow the player to walk, two foul balls count as an out, and the pitcher must throw below 70 mph. Moreover, only half of the field is used but batters can ask for the defensive team to switch to their preferred side.

For the first game, the women’s team was led by Mo’ne Davis, who threw a no-hitter during the 2014 Little League World Series and subsequently graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Many fans of Davis excitedly watched her pitch strike after strike during the StandStill Baseball game. The first game ended with the men’s team winning, 7-0.

Crystl Bustos, winner of gold medals in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, led the women’s team in the second game. During this game, Bustos had the first grand slam in StandStill Baseball’s history. The end score of the second game was 6 -1, the men taking the win.

It should be noted that this was the first time female players were introduced to playing StandStill Baseball, while their male counterparts had been playing the game for the past month.

Boyd ended the games by proudly saying this was the beginning of a new era in baseball where men and women could play with and against each other. He expressed his hope to professionalize StandStill Baseball during the upcoming year.

  Nicole MOORE