Back in 1981, long before the remarkable Mo’ne Davis made headlines, I was an 11-year-old girl with a burning desire to play baseball—not softball, which was the norm for girls in my community. So, when the flyer announcing the local Little League tryouts came home, I eagerly convinced my best friend to join me on this adventure. We spent weeks practicing—fielding grounders, hitting off tees, and throwing the ball around—our dreams of baseball glory dancing in our minds.
However, just before tryouts, my friend’s mother learned we would be the only girls in the league and pulled her daughter from the lineup. Heartbroken, I felt alone. Yet, my mom encouraged me to put on my cleats and show up, despite the intimidation of being the only girl on the field.
Reflecting on that season now, I realize it taught me invaluable lessons that extend far beyond baseball. Here are four significant takeaways:
1. Embrace Risk
From the moment I stood in line at tryouts, all eyes were on me. The boys, forming a makeshift barrier, watched intently, anticipating my failure. Some were annoyed by my presence, while others found my determination amusing. Had I let their judgment deter me, I would have missed out on a golden opportunity to build my confidence. The self-assurance I gained from making the team has accompanied me through various life stages, from high school elections to my career in journalism and beyond. Remember, as they say, you can’t make progress without taking risks—you can’t steal second base if you’re still standing on first.
2. Go All In for Your Goals
I can’t pinpoint why I was so set on playing baseball instead of softball, but once I decided, I was all in. This determination carried over into my life as a mother when I chose to leave a fulfilling job to stay home with my newborn. However, I still needed a plan to manage my finances. I transitioned to a remote marketing position and later, took the leap to start my own business. Each decision was driven by an unwavering desire to achieve my ambitions, proving that when you truly want something, you must pursue it wholeheartedly.
3. Hard Work is Essential
While academics came easily to me, baseball was a different beast. I joined a team of boys who had years of experience, and I refused to let my gender limit my performance. I committed to practice, absorbing every piece of advice from my coach and honing my skills independently. By season’s end, I transformed my game and earned the respect of my teammates. The same principle applies beyond sports; my kids have learned that success in school comes from studying hard, just as excelling in sports requires dedication and practice. Hard work is the antidote to entitlement.
4. Pay It Forward
I’ll never forget Coach Mike, who took a chance on me during my rookie season. Years later, while volunteering as a team manager for my sons’ Little League, I remembered his kindness. During the draft, I selected an exceptional 11-year-old girl, despite the raised eyebrows from the predominantly male managers. She brought natural talent to our team, helping us clinch the division title, but my decision was rooted in a desire to support her, just as Coach Mike had supported me. No matter where we go in life, it’s crucial to remember our roots and give back to those who come after us.
In conclusion, my experience as the only girl on the baseball team shaped my perspective and fueled my ambitions. Life lessons learned on the field—embracing risk, pursuing goals passionately, committing to hard work, and uplifting others—continue to guide me today. For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this informative blog post.