History of the Chicago Gems
<-- Gems History, Part 2
2007
Women's league baseball returned to Chicago in 2007, thanks to the efforts of the Gems Recruiting Committee, who found players, and the Midwest Suburban League, which gave them a place to play. The twenty or so women who had come to form the core of the Gems over the past few years knew they had to double their numbers and then some to make the dream of a local league a reality. The winter months were spent organizing and attending workouts and advertising the league.
After several winter workouts, numerous ads, and countless emails and website updates, the four teams - Comets, Redbirds, Riveters and Turtle Rocks - were formed at the April 1 draft; the Gems from past years were dispersed among all the teams, giving each some experienced players to go along with the newcomers. The Gems held group practices every weekend between draft day and opening day to help the teams get ready to play.
The league opened its season on Sunday, June 1 at Salk Park in Rolling Meadows. Opening Day ceremonies featured a couple of brief speeches by the President of the MSL and the Gems General Manager, honoring of former AAGPBL player Mabel Holle, the singing of the national anthem and a delicious BBQ in addition to a doubleheader. The day was a realization of a dream come true. Opening Day Program The Turtle Rocks took the first championship, going undefeated over the season and beating the Comets in the Championship. Pictures from the season can be found in the Gems' album.
In addition to helping form and playing on the four teams in the league, the Gems also practiced together, held a fall season to recruit players for 2008 and played together at three tournaments. The fall recruiting effort was sparked by a mention of the club during a broadcast of a Cubs game on WGN.
The Gems were runners-up in the first-ever Can-Am Spirit of Sportsmanship tournament held in Detroit. After winning just two games in all their prior tournaments combined, the Gems went 3-1 in pool play to reach the finals.
2007 Can-Am Tournament Team
Front L-R: Peggy Sue, Jen S, Amy, Brenda, Annie, Vanessa, Megan
Back L-R: Phil, Flor, Sofi, Marie, Christine, Michelle, Kate McG, Jenn Z, Mandy, Alicia, Jason
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The Gems reached the semi-finals of the annual Roy Hobbs Women's World Series. The Gems went 2-2 in pool play, then defeated the number 2 seed in the playoffs to reach the semi-finals. Charlene was named team MVP for her outstanding pitching performance (3 complete games, including an extra-innings victory in the playoffs) and clutch hitting. Tournament recap
Roy Hobbs Tournament Team 2007
Front L-R: Charlene (Philly), Lauren, Brenda, Peggy Sue, Amy, Annie, Megan, Jen L
Back L-R: Bill, Susan (DC), Sofi, Joelle, Jamie, Jill, Jason
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