In the early 1980s, before the widespread acceptance of girls in sports, I was an 11-year-old named Sarah who was determined to play baseball, not softball. My community offered plenty of options for girls, but I had my mind set on hardball. When our local Little League announced its tryouts, I eagerly convinced my friend to join me. We practiced tirelessly, dreaming of making plays and hitting home runs. However, just before tryouts, my friend’s mother learned we would be the only two girls in the league and decided to pull her daughter from the competition. I was devastated, but my own mother encouraged me to go for it alone. Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful I did. The season taught me invaluable lessons that I would carry throughout my life, and I hope to pass them on to my children. Here are four of the most impactful insights I gained:
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Embrace Risk-Taking
From the moment I lined up for tryouts, I felt the weight of scrutiny as the boys sized me up. Some were skeptical of my abilities, while others seemed amused by my aspirations. But if I had let fear dictate my actions, I would have missed out on a significant opportunity for growth. Being selected for the team was a confidence boost that propelled me through high school and college and into my career. Remember, progress requires risk; you can’t steal second base if you’re still standing on first.
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Pursue Your Goals Relentlessly
I cannot pinpoint why I was so passionate about playing baseball over softball, but that drive was undeniable. Once I set my sights on my goal, I put in the necessary work. Years later, when I became a mom, I left a job I loved to stay home with my newborn, but I still had to find a way to support my family. I transitioned into marketing, allowing me to work from home, and later took the leap to start my own business. Each decision was driven by deep-seated aspirations that compelled me to find a path forward, regardless of the challenges.
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Hard Work is Essential
While academics came naturally to me, baseball was a different beast. I was up against boys who had been playing for years, but I refused to be hindered by my gender. I soaked up every piece of advice from my coach and put in the extra effort to improve my skills independently. By the end of the season, I earned my teammates’ respect and camaraderie. This principle transcends the field; my children see that hard work correlates with success, whether it’s studying for a test or putting in extra hours to excel in sports. Hard work eliminates entitlement.
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Give Back to Others
I still cherish the memory of Coach Jake, who welcomed me into his team with open arms. Although I never thanked him personally, his influence stayed with me, especially when I became a team manager in my sons’ Little League years later. During the draft, I noticed an 11-year-old girl who had a spark and decided to select her, even though it raised eyebrows among the male managers. She turned out to be an asset to our team, leading us to a division title. It’s crucial to remember those who supported us and to extend that support to others.
In conclusion, my experience as the only girl on a baseball team shaped my character and provided lessons that I continue to share with my family. From risk-taking to hard work, these principles remain essential in various aspects of life. For those interested in family planning or home insemination, resources such as Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo and fertility supplements can be invaluable. Additionally, Mount Sinai’s infertility resources offer excellent guidance for those navigating similar journeys.
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