In 1981, long before female athletes like Mo’ne Davis became symbols of empowerment and prior to the establishment of dedicated softball leagues for girls, I was an 11-year-old who wanted to play baseball, not softball. The opportunity arose when a flyer announcing tryouts for our local Little League landed in my hands. Eager to pursue my passion, I convinced my best friend, Sarah, to join me. We spent weeks preparing, practicing our throws, hitting, and catching, dreaming of making spectacular plays. However, just before the tryouts, Sarah’s mother learned we would be the only girls in the league and opted to prevent her from participating. I was devastated but motivated. My mom encouraged me to go ahead, which felt daunting given that I would be the sole female player.
Reflecting on that experience, I realize that it taught me invaluable lessons beyond the baseball diamond—lessons that have shaped my life and influenced my parenting. Here are four key takeaways:
1. Embrace Risk-Taking
Upon arriving at the tryouts, I felt the weight of scrutiny as many boys watched, anticipating my failure. Their mixed reactions—some irritated, others amused—could have easily deterred me. However, by stepping up to the plate, I gained confidence that propelled me through high school, college, and into my career. Taking risks is essential for growth; as the saying goes, you can’t reach home plate without taking a few chances.
2. Pursue Your Goals Relentlessly
I can’t pinpoint why I preferred baseball over softball, but once I decided, I was all in. This determination guided me when I became a mother and chose to leave a fulfilling job to stay home with my son. I later transitioned into a marketing role that allowed flexibility and eventually launched my own business. Each decision, while carefully considered, was driven by a deep desire to realize my ambitions.
3. Commit to Hard Work
The value of hard work was ingrained in me during that baseball season. Unlike school, which came easily to me, baseball required relentless effort, especially being the only girl on the team. I practiced diligently, absorbing every lesson, and by the season’s end, I had gained both skill and respect from my teammates. This commitment to hard work is a principle I’ve instilled in my children, teaching them that effort yields results.
4. Give Back and Inspire Others
I fondly remember Coach Dave, who welcomed me into his team with open arms. Years later, as a volunteer coach in my sons’ league, I was reminded of that kindness when I selected a standout girl during the draft, despite the raised eyebrows of other managers. This decision stemmed from a desire to support her, just as Coach Dave had done for me. It’s vital to remember your roots and help others along their journey.
These lessons have not only guided my personal life but also serve as inspiration for my children. For those looking to start a family or explore home insemination options, resources like Hopkins Medicine provide excellent information on fertility and insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in tools for at-home procedures, check out Make A Mom and their comprehensive 21-piece insemination kit.
In summary, my experiences as the only girl on the baseball team imparted crucial lessons on risk-taking, determination, hard work, and the importance of giving back. These principles are integral to navigating both personal and professional challenges, as well as nurturing the next generation.
Keyphrase: lessons from being the only girl on the team
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