In 1981, well before the advent of widespread recognition for female athletes, I was an 11-year-old girl with an undeniable passion for baseball. While softball was the norm for girls in my town, I was determined to join the local Little League and play hardball. When I received a flyer announcing tryouts, I convinced my best friend to join me. We dedicated countless afternoons to practicing our skills, envisioning ourselves making incredible plays on the field. However, just before tryouts, my friend’s mother learned that we would be the only girls in the league and forbade her from participating. This left me feeling disheartened, but my mother encouraged me to go ahead and try out anyway, despite the intimidating prospect of being the only female player.
Looking back, I am immensely grateful for my decision to participate. The lessons I learned during that season extended beyond the game itself and have shaped my approach to life. Here are four crucial takeaways from that experience:
1. Embrace Risk-Taking
From the moment I stepped into the tryout line, I was acutely aware of the scrutiny I faced as a girl in a male-dominated environment. The boys watching were divided in their responses, with some irritated by my presence and others amused. If I had allowed fear and doubt to deter me, I would have missed out on an opportunity to build my confidence. Being selected for the team empowered me throughout high school and college, where I pursued leadership roles and developed a successful career. Remember, progress often requires taking risks; as the saying goes, you can’t steal second base with your foot still on first.
2. Pursue Your Goals Relentlessly
Though I can’t pinpoint the exact reasons behind my desire to play baseball, once I set my sights on it, I committed wholeheartedly. This mindset carried over into my journey as a mother, where I made the difficult decision to leave a job I loved to stay home with my newborn. I then pivoted my career into marketing, allowing me to work from home, and eventually took the leap to start my own business. Each of these decisions was rooted in a deep desire to achieve my goals, showcasing that determination can pave the way for success.
3. Hard Work is Essential
While I excelled academically, baseball posed a new challenge. I was on a team with boys who had years of experience, and I was determined not to let my gender limit me. I dedicated myself to practice, absorbing every piece of advice from my coach and refining my skills independently. By the end of the season, I transformed my abilities and earned the respect of my teammates. This principle extends beyond sports; hard work fosters a sense of responsibility and discourages entitlement, a lesson I strive to instill in my children.
4. Give Back to Others
I will always remember Coach Paul, who welcomed me onto his team and took a chance on me. Years later, while managing a team in my sons’ Little League, I recalled his kindness when I chose an outstanding girl during the draft. My decision raised eyebrows among my fellow male coaches, but I was driven by the desire to support a girl in a similar position to mine years ago. No matter our success, it’s vital to remember our roots and extend a helping hand to those following in our footsteps.
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Summary:
Reflecting on my experience as the only girl on my baseball team, I learned invaluable lessons about embracing risks, pursuing goals with determination, the significance of hard work, and the importance of giving back to others. These insights have shaped my life and inspired me to support those who follow a similar path.