Wendy Hoppel’s Journey to Motherhood
Wendy Hoppel, who serves as the director of baseball administration for the Cleveland Guardians, returned home to Ohio to discover several missed calls from her social worker. This was in 2003, shortly after attending Major League Baseball’s offseason meetings in New Orleans and just after the birth of her child.
A Heartfelt Decision
“I had already prepared the nursery and everything because I’m a planner,” Hoppel shared recently. Naturally organized, her role entails managing immigration processes for international players. At 42, following a divorce three years prior, she desired to become a mother. Inspiration struck when a friend shared her adoption journey, leading Hoppel to realize that adoption was the right path for her.
Swift Adoption Process
Hoppel’s adoption process was surprisingly swift. She received approval in August and was matched with a newborn by December. “I went to the hospital to meet Grace the very next day,” she recounted.
The Realities of Solo Parenting
She reflected on the challenges of single parenting, noting the struggle of managing everything alone: “I know I made mistakes,” she admitted, “but I did my best.” In addition to balancing her personal life with a demanding job in a predominantly male environment, her choice impacted more than just her family. Women who break barriers in male sports often pave the way for future generations, a reality that is evident within the Cleveland front office today.
Gender Representation in Baseball
Counting women in baseball operations across MLB is challenging due to inconsistent front office structures. The 2023 report from Tides graded MLB’s gender diversity, revealing serious underrepresentation at various levels. Hoppel reflected on her team’s parental leave policies and expressed gratitude for the support she received from then-general manager Mark Shapiro, who helped create flexibility in her new role as a mother.
New Generations and Changing Policies
Now, two decades later, Hoppel’s influence continues as she inspires others within the organization. Jennifer Wolf, the Guardians’ assistant director of player development, also sought to become a mother. After discussing her aspirations with Hoppel, she pursued parenthood independently and successfully welcomed her son Micah earlier this year, benefiting from the Guardians’ updated parental leave policy which now offers more generous leave for birthing and non-birthing parents alike.
Cultural Shifts in Baseball
While new policies have emerged, challenges remain. Wolf emphasized the need for dedicated spaces in baseball for women, particularly motherhood accommodations. She noted the lack of female coaches at the major league level, but highlighted the increasing presence of women in coaching roles in the minors. Both she and Hoppel hope to shift the culture within the sport to better support working mothers while setting an example for future generations.
