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SL1 Mississippi Braves

League\'s First Female Umpire makes History in Greenville

July 3, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


Greenville, SC- When the Carolina Mudcats come to town to take on the Greenville Braves, attention in the stadium, as well as the media, will be somewhat divided. For the first time in Southern League history, the League's officiating crew rosters include a female umpire, Ria Cortesio.

"This is an exciting opportunity for all our fans," said Steve DeSalvo, Greenville Braves General Manager. "While the emphasis at our stadium is always on entertainment as well as producing future Major League players, this gives young aspiring female athletes and sports fans in the area an opportunity to see a first for our League as well as our city. While Ria is a great role model for young girls, she's here because she's a fantastic umpire who's working as hard as her peers to pursue her dreams and build a career in sports."

Cortesio joins Crew Chief John Woods along with fellow umpire Brandon Rushee to officiate the July 10th – 13th series as the G-Braves take on the Carolina Mudcats in a four-game series.

"I am ecstatic about having Ria in the Southern League-not because she is a female, but because of the reports I've received about her talent as an umpire," said Southern League President Don Mincher. "She has worked hard to qualify herself as a Double-A umpire and we are very proud to have her in the League."

"I have had the opportunity to see Ria in action in both Chattanooga and Tennessee", said Brenda Yoder, G-Braves Director of Community Relations, who last year was named by Rawlings as Woman Executive of the Year for all of professional baseball. "Ria sets a great example for women making their way into professional sports as an athlete or game official." "She made some great calls at first base both times we saw her, hopefully we will see her and other females in the "Big Leagues" in the near future."

The Greenville Braves have been an active member of the local community for almost 20 years, hosting special nights at the ballpark each season to benefit local charities and sponsoring several charity functions throughout the year. The G-Braves also offer many other successful children's programs including the Huntington Learning Center Honor Roll Program, Pride in Carolina's Youth Summer Reading Program, the Gatti-Town Braves Buddies Club and more.

A member of the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs, the Greenville Braves are the Double A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and has sent more than 120 players to the major leagues. The Greenville Braves, the only franchise in minor league baseball to draw more than 200,000 fans per season for 19 consecutive years, is celebrating its 20th season in Greenville.

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