With three weeks left before we head off to the MLB All-Star Game, we wanted to begin our journey into baseball mode. Our first stop (of a few) was at Phoenix Muni to see the first day of tryouts for the USA Baseball Women’s National Team. Tryouts are two days and are being held in three different spots in the U.S. Since the team is not picking up expenses for the tryouts, the goal was to have them located so that a significant number of women athletes would be close to one of the tryout facilities.

You have to hand it to these athletes—it was about 102 out and those leading the tryouts didn’t let up as they went through the paces of pitching, throwing and batting. The winners of these tryouts have to come back for a second round later this summer, and from there, those selected are whisked off to play in Taiwan for their first official game. In fact, those who make this cut, and are asked to return, have to bring their passports with for the next go-round.