Ryan Woodward

After several speakers reminisced about Shirley, they officially broke ground to This Used To Be My Playground. I got misty and had a moment to myself behind the ticket booth. Every event without Shirley will be bittersweet. But we saw Queen B honored and it was a great day.

The only thing better than celebrating baseball history is being there when it's made. Just missing my friend, Shirley B. Congrats Maybelle Blair, IWBC, and the city of Rockford! #APlaceofTheirOwn

Much needed Fall Ball Therapy.

Join the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) for the historic groundbreaking of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park! This milestone event celebrates the official start of this iconic stadium restoration following the success of IWBC’s A Place of Their Own Phase One Campaign.

The accuracy.

Introverted, but willing to discuss the Rockford Peaches, pretty much any day.

Look at that glassy Rock River.

Thanks again to Midway Village for inviting me to World War II Days. I talked about women's baseball in the war effort and how the Peaches' legacy is celebrated and continues to bring international attention to Rockford. 12-year-old me would be geeking out that I'm still doing this work in 2025.

Aside from Women in Baseball Week (of course) World War II Days is the most wonderful time of the year in Rockford. Already in full bloom and I'm eating it up.

I'm a miracle. King of the impossible.

Join the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) for the historic groundbreaking of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park! This milestone event celebrates the official start of this iconic stadium restoration following the success of IWBC’s A Place of Their Own Phase One Campaign.

Rockford's spider game is on point. Meet Artie and Laura-Beth. They live on my porch, but so far, we all mind our own business. If you're in need of nightmare fuel, however, walk across the State Street bridge sometime and check out the railing. #RockfordZoo

Yes! Halloween is my all time favorite and the reason I'm a horror fan. But The Fog is masterful filmmaking.

I really dig the hot and cold of the street light vs the moon here. Creepy and lovely fall nights ahead 🖤

Yes to both.

The Archduke went in for a routine vet checkup today that turned into marathon poking and prodding. He was brave though and is back home resting. I love this cat.

You have your own museum!

Mood when it's a whole year before the next Women in Baseball Conference, but you still learned a lot and got to see your friends and colleagues do well. I'll be talking about the Rockford Peaches during WWII Days at Midway Village next weekend. Come see me and keep telling the stories.

2 newest acquisitions from a trip home this summer. I publicly commit to not having them take up residence on the nightstand for the next year. #ReadBaseball

I can't focus enough to read books right now, but I've already started on my next cap-knitting project to donate to local elementary schools this winter. I'm ready for Fall. I challenge everyone to find 10 minutes of pure happiness every day and then dive right back into battle. I love my cat.

I've (safely) lost 20 lbs in the past 9 weeks, due to changes in diet & exercise and side effects of medicine. I'm apparently still a really decent writer. I have trusted, amazing friends spread out all over the world who can pick right up with me like it's 2018, 2004, or 1992.

Snapshot of 47 on a random Wednesday: I got my hair cut today and am glad it's still something I need to have done. I ran errands all day in what is now considered a dad uniform of polo and cargo shorts and I'm 100% fine with it.

Issue 4 of Lost Diamonds, one of my favorite things ever, just arrived! Snag one for yourself: www.etsy.com/listing/4362588338/lost-diamonds-issue-4-covering-1957-to

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S BASEBALL CENTER RECEIVES $2,000,000 GRANT FROM STEVEN & ALEXANDRA COHEN FOUNDATION AND $350,000 GRANT FROM AMAZIN’ METS FOUNDATION - International Women’s Baseball Center INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S BASEBALL CENTER RECEIVES $2,000,000 GRANT FROM STEVEN & ALEXANDRA COHEN FOUNDATION AND $350,000 GRANT FROM AMAZIN’ METS FOUNDATION Grant Funding to Aid IWBC’s Phase I Completion ...

The IWBC has received a $2 Million grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist & Mets Owner Alex Cohen, and a $350,000 grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. Read the full details at iwbc.org/cohenfoundationgrant/

Good morning, Peaches!

So happy to make it back to Bosse Field this summer and see the Otters play. Say hello to the newest intern at the IWBC Office.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford adds new Rockford Peaches-themed slot machines By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has added another tribute

We have Peaches slot machines in Rockford you all need to come check out. I helped select the photos. I am killing it as a baseball professional.

Here's to more peaceful mornings at the ballpark while the rest of the city is still asleep.

Agree on a lot of that and we could talk for days about all the concerns. The present moment has me hopeful and emotional. Next year, we all set about supporting it in every way we can.