Ladies' Day (baseball)

Ladies' Day was a promotional event held by professional baseball teams, primarily in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries. The central feature of Ladies' Day was free or reduced-price admission for women attending the game. The intention was multifaceted: to cultivate a more family-friendly atmosphere at the ballpark, improve the overall image of baseball, and, perhaps most importantly, increase attendance and revenue.

The rationale behind attracting women to games was that they would influence male companions to attend more frequently, leading to increased ticket sales and concession revenue. It was also believed that the presence of women would discourage rowdy or inappropriate behavior among male fans, creating a more appealing environment for families.

Ladies' Days were often held on weekdays, as these were typically slower attendance days. The specific benefits varied, ranging from completely free admission to discounted ticket prices or special gifts. The practice gradually declined in popularity after World War II, although occasional promotions with a similar spirit persist today. The term itself can now be considered somewhat archaic, reflecting changing social norms and marketing strategies. While the core idea of attracting female fans remains relevant, modern promotions tend to be more inclusive and less explicitly gender-targeted.