The Pawtucket Slaterettes Girls’ and Women’s Baseball League is a Rhode Island baseball tradition. Their website and social media pages encourage girls of all ages to participate in baseball. In fact, the Slaterettes have been supporting girls baseball for nearly 50 years. Incredible! And according to their website bio, the Pawtucket Slaterettes have a special place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY. “One of our jerseys is part of their “Diamond Dreams” exhibition on girls and women in baseball.”

Deb Bettencourt is been a great ambassador for the Slaterettes program. Deb and I have communicated over the years about the Slaterettes and she referred me to Bethanie Rado, who is the President of the Slaterettes, to learn more about their upcoming season. Bethanie and I exchanged emails and I was able to get some great photos and information for families interesting in participating in girls’ baseball this season.

First off, interested players and families can find a ton of information on their website, www.slaterettes.com. According to Bethanie, “There are no residency requirements for the Slaterettes whatsoever. We have players from all over, including MA!” Players who have signed up should know “a uniform consisting of a hat and shirt is supplied, however we always have gently used donated equipment of pants, cleats and gloves available to our families in need. Each team has its own equipment bag with bats, helmets and catchers gear, so in theory girls would not need to purchase anything other than their own glove, although many choose to bring/purchase helmets or bats of preference or sole use. We use metal bats but have not strictly followed the USA bat standard other than when in tournaments that require it.” Once the season starts, (pending permits), “our seasonal schedule only includes our organization” meaning the Slaterettes organization will only play teams inside its organization, not against other organizations. Bethanie mentioned, “we have had games with the Boston Slammers and traveled to BFA and MLB events in New Jersey and Florida and other tournaments, most recently to Canada in 2019!” Once the season begins, stay up to date on any changes to their games schedule and/or tournament opportunities through the Slaterettes website and social media pages. Like most youth sports leagues dealing with Covid-19 restrictions, the Pawtucket Slaterettes is committed to providing a safe and healthy sports experience within Rhode Island state guidelines.

I asked Bethanie about local and statewide support for the Slaterettes, in terms of sponsors. “Pawtucket Credit Union, Spirit Recognition and Rep Mary Messier have consistently been hometown sponsors over the years, and again this year, but TSS Photography, Jack’s Snacks A Dog Bakery and The Seyboth Team have all sponsored for many years as well and we are hoping they join us again.” Bethanie mentioned that 2021 is a rebuilding year for the Slaterettes organization and is appreciative of the support of these business and community leaders. If you would like to lend your support for the Pawtucket Slaterettes, visit their website, www.slaterettes.com, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!

It was great catching up with Deb and Bethanie on all things Pawtucket Slaterettes. The Slaterettes Girls’ Baseball Team is looking for players for the 2021 season. Pending permits, their opening day and schedule of games is fast approaching. If you know a player here in Rhode Island or in Massachusetts that would like to part of a Rhode Island baseball tradition, head to www.slaterettes.com for more information on registering. You will get a hat, a shirt, and an incredible baseball experience you will be talking about with friends and family for the rest of your life.

Website – www.slaterettes.com

Facebook Page – Slaterettes Baseball

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