Emily Glass: Paving the Way for Women in Baseball

As the 2025 MLB season draws to a close, it marks a significant milestone for Emily Glass, who is completing her fourth season as the manager of scouting operations for the Colorado Rockies. In 2022, Glass made history as the first female scout in the team’s history, joining an organization that is beginning to embrace diversity within its ranks.

An Impressive Journey

Glass’s extensive background in baseball spans more than a decade, encompassing experience in scouting, coaching in various countries, including Japan, and fostering a deeper understanding of the game. She has been instrumental in the growth of women within the sport, representing a beacon of progress amid a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Participating in Conversations

On September 20, Glass participated in a panel discussion following the screening of the film “See Her Be Her” in Denver. The documentary highlights the struggles and triumphs of women striving to make their mark in baseball. It emphasizes the barriers they face, including limited funding and opportunities, alongside the discrimination prevalent in this sport.

A Growing Role at the Rockies

Despite a series of challenging seasons for the Rockies, Glass has emerged as a positive force within the organization, indicating a promising future for women’s involvement in baseball. “With the Rockies, it’s been incredible for me,” she remarked, highlighting the support she has received from allies within the organization.

Building Networks for Success

Early in her career, Glass benefitted from the MLB Diversity Pipeline Scout Development Program, which was established to assist women and minority candidates in overcoming barriers to entry in scouting roles. She credits this program for helping her connect with influential figures like Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Scouting, Danny Montgomery, who has been an advocate for her career.

The Rockies’ Commitment to Diversity

The Rockies have a longstanding history of supporting women in baseball. Linda Alvarado made history in 1992 as one of the first women to be part of an ownership group for an MLB team, paving the way for others. Notable figures such as Sue Ann McClaren, the Rockies’ first female officer, have also contributed to this shift. McClaren remarked on the increasing number of women in leadership roles within the organization, affirming that everyone has an equal seat at the table:

“There are a lot more women now than there were before and in leadership roles,” said McClaren. “I don’t feel discriminated against at all in my position. I definitely feel that now more than ever, I have a seat at the table and everybody is equal.”

A Focus on Women’s Baseball

Panelist Veronica Alvarez, who has played for and managed the USA Women’s Baseball team, discussed her role in promoting women’s involvement in the sport. She pointed out the growing number of female coaches in professional baseball, highlighting not just the increasing recognition but also the supportive environment that organizations like the Oakland Athletics have fostered.

“We went from 2019 when I was the only female on the field in all of professional baseball, to now we have around 13 women in professional baseball as coaches in uniform,” noted Alvarez.

Creating Opportunities Through Community

Glass emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive network for women in baseball to alleviate feelings of isolation. Programs such as Take the Field, part of the Winter Meetings, are crucial for encouraging women’s participation in numerous baseball operations and coaching roles.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

With a commitment to gender diversity and increasingly visible female leadership, the Rockies represent a positive shift within Major League Baseball. Emily Glass and her colleagues are dedicated to fostering an environment where future generations of women can thrive in various baseball roles. The expansion of networks and support systems will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of women in the sport.