Back in 1981, before the world recognized trailblazers in sports like Mo’ne Davis or before Little League started its own girls’ divisions, I was an 11-year-old girl with a passion for baseball—not softball, which was the common choice for girls in my neighborhood. When I saw the flyer for tryouts at our local Little League, I instantly persuaded my best friend to join me in the challenge. We spent weeks preparing, practicing grounders, batting off tees, and throwing the ball, all while dreaming of making incredible plays.
However, the night before tryouts, my friend’s mom discovered that we would be the only girls in the league and decided to pull her daughter from trying out. I was devastated, but my mom urged me to go for it alone. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I did. The experience offered me lessons far beyond just baseball skills, shaping my life and inspiring my children. Here are four key takeaways from that season:
1. Embrace Risks
From the moment I stood in line for registration, I felt the weight of my dual XX chromosomes under scrutiny. The boys surrounding me, some curious, others skeptical, provided a mix of support and doubt. If fear had dictated my decisions, I would have forfeited an opportunity that ultimately built my confidence. That self-assurance propelled me through high school, college, and into my professional life, reminding me that, as the saying goes, you can’t advance without taking risks.
2. Go All In for What You Want
I can’t pinpoint exactly why I was so determined to play hardball instead of softball, but once I set my sights on baseball, there was no turning back. This mentality carried over into motherhood when I decided to leave a fulfilling career to stay home with my son. I had to figure out a new path, which led me to a marketing role that allowed flexibility. Eventually, I took the plunge to start my own company, motivated by an unwavering drive to pursue my dreams.
3. Hard Work is Non-Negotiable
While I excelled in academics, baseball was a completely different challenge. I was up against boys who had played for years, and I refused to let my gender define my capabilities. I dedicated myself to mastering the skills needed to compete, absorbing every piece of advice from my coach and putting in extra hours outside of practices. By season’s end, I had earned not just my teammates’ respect but also a deeper understanding of the correlation between hard work and success, a lesson I now pass on to my children.
4. Pay It Forward
I often think of Coach Mark, who welcomed me into his predominantly male team. Years later, I found myself managing a Little League team and recalled my own experience when I selected a standout girl during the draft. Choosing her, despite the raised eyebrows from my fellow coaches, was my way of honoring the support I’d received from Coach Mark. It’s crucial to remember our roots and extend the same opportunities to others, ensuring that we uplift those who might not have the same chances.
These memories, filled with challenges and triumphs, shaped who I am today and continue to inspire how I guide my children. If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this engaging article on Modern Family Blog. For those looking into home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable at-home insemination syringe kits, and ASRM is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
In summary, being the only girl on the team taught me invaluable lessons about risk-taking, determination, hard work, and the importance of supporting others. These principles continue to resonate throughout my life and serve as a foundation for my parenting journey.
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