In 1981, well before female athletes began to capture national headlines and before Little League established its softball division, I was an 11-year-old girl with a fierce desire to play baseball. Unlike the plethora of softball opportunities available, I had my heart set on the diamond sport.
When flyers for local Little League tryouts landed in our elementary school, I wasted no time convincing my best friend to join me on this adventure. For weeks, we practiced diligently—fielding grounders, hitting off tees, and tossing the ball around—our imaginations filled with dreams of making spectacular plays and hitting home runs. But just a day before the tryouts, my friend’s mom learned we would be the only girls competing and decided to pull her from the lineup. I was devastated.
Fortunately, my mother urged me to lace up my cleats and step onto the field alone, even though the thought of being the only girl was intimidating. In retrospect, I’m grateful I took that leap. The experience taught me invaluable lessons that shaped my approach to life, which I now pass on to my own children. Here are the most impactful ones:
1. Embrace Risks
From the moment I stood in the registration line, all eyes were on me. A crowd of boys, who seemed to form an informal boys’ club, watched as I tried out for a spot on the team. Their reactions were mixed—some were annoyed by my presence, while others appeared amused at my determination.
Had I let the fear of judgment deter me, I would have missed out on a significant confidence boost. Being selected for the team taught me that taking risks can lead to personal growth. This newfound self-assurance helped me tackle challenges throughout high school, college, and my professional career. As the saying goes, you can’t reach second base with your foot still on first.
2. Pursue Your Passion Relentlessly
As for why I was so passionate about playing baseball instead of softball, I can’t pinpoint it precisely. What I do know is that once I set my sights on this goal, I couldn’t back down. I dedicated myself to making it happen.
After becoming a mother, I made a similar choice, giving up a job I loved to stay home with my newborn. Still, I had to think ahead. Bills don’t pay themselves! With determination, I transitioned into a marketing career that allowed me to work from home. Eventually, I took a leap of faith and started my own company. Each decision was carefully considered but driven by an inner desire to follow my dreams.
3. Understand the Value of Hard Work
During my time on the baseball field, I learned the importance of hard work—a lesson that seems to elude many today. While academics came naturally to me, excelling at baseball required dedication. I was on a team with boys who had years of experience, and I refused to let my gender define my abilities.
I poured effort into every practice, soaking up advice from my coach and working diligently on my skills. By the end of the season, I had earned my teammates’ respect and no longer threw “like a girl.” This ethic extends beyond sports; my children now understand the connection between hard work, studying, and success.
4. Give Back
I often think of Coach Bob, the man who welcomed me into his all-boy team during my rookie season. Though I never expressed my gratitude directly, his kindness stayed with me. Years later, while managing a team in my sons’ Little League, I remembered my experience and made a point to choose an exceptional 11-year-old girl during the draft. The choice raised eyebrows among my fellow male coaches, but I was determined to support her, just as Coach Bob had for me.
No matter how far we progress, it’s crucial to remember our roots. For me, that gratitude traces back to the baseball diamond and the lessons learned from my teammates.
In summary, my journey in baseball taught me about risk-taking, relentless pursuit of passion, hard work, and the importance of giving back. These lessons resonate in my life today—just as they will for my children.
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Keyphrase: Lessons from Being the Only Girl on the Team
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