Women's pro baseball is back and Canadians hope it comes north

Three weeks into the Women's Pro Baseball League's inaugural season and these ladies aren't slowing down. From August to September, four American teams are playing 15 games each all at a stadium in Springfield, Illinois, then playoffs. Jada Lee of St. John's is one of 11 Canadians. It's pretty cool that we are able to have like professional women's baseball and have that be our only responsibility. They earn at least $300 US per game plus some meals and accommodation. For me, any money is welcome. Keith Stein is a Canadian co-founder of the league who saw it as a business opportunity despite early skepticism. When you're starting a professional sports league you need money. So you need investors and investors would say to us to win, play baseball. A sold-out home opener, swift merchandise sales and even a broadcast deal. It's all exceeded his expectations. But at the grassroots level in Canada, girls who want to play baseball often strike out. I think that there's a real lack of consistency and opportunity for girls still across the country. These girls are among the lucky ones. They have a league of their own. In some provinces and age groups, girls have to play with boys. I feel a lot less pressure when I'm playing with other girls and I think it's great to connect with other girls so I can make new friends. Trusting that we're going to back each other up and we'll always be there for each other. Nova Scotia is considered a leader in girls' baseball and registration is climbing. And now these girls can see a future in the sport. That's so great that Canadian women are also getting to do it. I hope that they expand it into Canada. The league's success means owners are already making plans for next year. Teams will get a chance to host games in their respective cities and more teams are likely to be added as well, though none in Canada for now. Owners say Canada lacks the stadiums needed to host women's professional baseball. Sabrina Fabian, CBC News, Halifax.