You’ve been the only girl on your team most of your life.  Is there a challenge that comes with that? 

I think I stand out.  When I was younger, eight years old, one of my teammates, who I’m friends with, he made this comment after I struck out, he said: “You strike out all the time.”  But he strikes out too, all the guys strike out, but because I’m a girl it’s more noticeable.  So, if I were to have a bad game, I’d have a spotlight on me because I’m a girl, and people will just say “Oh, she shouldn’t be playing.”  I think that will be the biggest thing.  But I’m not too worried about it. 

You have to prove yourself at every game. 

Exactly.  And I’m willing to do that. 

You also have to put up with a lot of really stupid comments.  I heard you read one that said: “She’d be better off making a sandwich.” 

Yeah, I saw a couple of those.  It shouldn’t happen, but it does.  I wouldn’t say it makes me angry, but I think people should be more aware of what they say.  People think they can say what they want.  I’ve fully prepared myself for that.  I just don’t let it get to me. 

What are your expectations for the season? 

I hope I do well.  One of my main goals is to get more awareness for girls’ baseball.  Regardless of how well I do, I don’t want it to close any doors for girls in the future.  There are girls out there that are most likely better than me, more skillful than me, and they aren’t getting the same opportunity. 

Why not? 

I don’t think there’s enough publicity on the girls right now.  I think it’s a great stepping stone for any girl.  That’s one of my main goals.  But I also want to go out and compete.  I don’t want to stand out, I guess, I just want to be another player.