Bucciferro Family McDonald’s teamed up with the International Women’s Baseball Center to launch a special promotion that paid tribute to Maybelle Blair, a trailblazing pitcher who helped shape women’s baseball in the late 1940s.
The campaign centered on the Maybelle Meal, a limited‑time offering that bundled two cheeseburgers, fries, a drink and a voucher for a pair of exclusive red sunglasses inspired by Blair’s signature look. Over 4,500 units were sold, funneling $3,216.40 directly to the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
A celebration on the diamond
The promotion reached its climax during a World Cup group‑stage game between the United States and Canada at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, where Ronald McDonald threw out the first pitch. Fans in the stands wore the red sunglasses, creating a sea of color that honored Blair’s enduring influence.
Blair, who was unable to attend the World Cup group stage after a fall earlier in the summer, has long been an advocate for women’s athletics. She helped found the International Women’s Baseball Center and remains a mentor to current and future players.
The World Cup’s group stage attracted 15,710 spectators over five days, with 3,405 attending the USA‑Mexico matchup. Organizers announced that the tournament will return to Rockford for the finals, where a champion will be crowned, further cementing the city’s role in the sport’s growing narrative.