In 1981, long before the world recognized names like Mo’ne Davis or the establishment of softball divisions in Little League, I was an 11-year-old girl with a burning desire to play baseball—not the softball version readily available in my community. So, when our elementary school sent home a flyer for the upcoming Little League tryouts, I quickly persuaded my best friend to join me in this endeavor. We dedicated hours to perfecting our skills—fielding grounders, practicing batting, and throwing—dreaming of glorious home runs and spectacular plays.
However, on the eve of tryouts, my friend’s mother discovered that we would be the only girls in the league. This led her to pull her daughter from the tryouts, leaving me feeling utterly alone and disheartened. Yet, my own mother stood by me, encouraging me to lace up my cleats and face the challenge ahead. Despite the intimidation of being the only girl, I’m eternally grateful I took that leap. The experience offered me far more than just baseball skills; it imparted life lessons that continue to guide me today. Here are some of the most pivotal insights I gained:
1. Embrace Risk
From the moment I entered the tryout line, my presence was scrutinized. A group of boys gathered, some irritated by my presence while others looked on in amusement, expecting me to fail. If I had let fear dictate my actions, I would have missed out on a valuable opportunity to build my confidence. Ultimately, being chosen for a team provided me with a self-assurance that carried through my high school student government aspirations, college journalism endeavors, and into my professional life. Remember, as the saying goes: no risk, no reward; you can’t steal second base standing on first.
2. Pursue Your Goals Relentlessly
I can’t pinpoint exactly why I was so determined to play baseball over softball; perhaps it was the desire to break barriers. Regardless of the reason, once I set my sights on a goal, I dedicated myself to achieving it. This mindset persisted into my adult life. After deciding to stay home with my newborn child, I transitioned into a career in marketing that allowed me to work from home. Years later, I took a significant leap to launch my own business, driven by an inner passion that urged me to pursue my dreams, no matter the obstacles.
3. Hard Work is Essential
This lesson became clear as I faced a team of boys who had been playing for years. While academics came easily to me, baseball required grit and determination. I absorbed every tip from my coach and practiced diligently, determined not to let my gender define my capabilities. By season’s end, not only had I improved my skills, but I had also earned the respect of my teammates. This principle extends beyond sports; I’ve seen my own children connect the dots between hard work and success, whether in academics or athletics. Effort is the antidote to entitlement.
4. Give Back
I often think of Coach Mark, who welcomed me into his male-dominated team during my rookie season. Years later, as a team manager in my sons’ Little League, I chose an 11-year-old girl during the draft, inspired by my own experience. Despite the raised eyebrows of male coaches, I felt a strong instinct to support her just as Coach Mark had done for me. No matter how far we progress, it’s crucial to remember our roots and give back to those following in our footsteps.
In essence, these lessons from my youth continue to shape my approach to life and parenting. If you’re interested in further exploring topics around home insemination, check out this insightful post about home intracervical insemination and more from ICI Blog, an authority on this subject. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC’s infertility FAQ is an excellent starting point.
Summary
Being the only girl on a boys’ baseball team taught me invaluable lessons about taking risks, pursuing goals with passion, the importance of hard work, and the value of giving back to others. These experiences shaped my character and continue to inform my life choices today.