Before Kelsie Whitmore made history as the first overall pick in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) draft, she was a youth athlete on the fields of Temecula Valley (Calif.) National Little League, falling in love with the game. Since then, she has had several highlights in her career, including being the first female to play professional baseball in the Atlantic League with the Staten Island FerryHawks, competing in international tournaments as a member of Team USA, and signing with the Savannah Bananas, playing at Major League stadiums across the country.
As part of Little League’s annual celebration of Girls with Game month in March, celebrated in coordination with Women’s History Month, Whitmore shared the below “Dear Girls with Game” letter to inspire current and future generations of female athletes.
Dear Girls with Game,
If there is one thing I wish someone told me early on in my career, it would be that baseball is what you do, not who you are.
This road won’t always be easy. You may find yourself questioning whether you belong quite often. You’re going to compare yourself to others. Most of all, you will fail. That’s just part of this game.
But that does not define you.
You are Unique. God created you for a reason. Chase that reason.
You are Powerful. Don’t allow the world’s opinions dim your light.
You are Courageous. Just look at the things you have done!
You are Worthy enough to belong in this game.
Most of all, You are Loved the same amount, whether you fail or succeed.
On and off the field, always Be You.
Much love,
Kelsie Whitmore, Little League® alum and Women’s Professional Baseball League Athlete
To learn more about the Girls with Game initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GirlsWithGame.