The Day I Let a 12U Pitcher Hit—and She Hit a Bomb

This story still gives me chills.

I was running a 12U game with one of my lesson girls on the mound. She was new to pitching and just finding her confidence. But she had crazy energy, a big smile, and always begged to hit.

Her coach came up before the game:

“We’re thinking of just letting her pitch today—not bat.”

I asked: “Is she okay with that?”

The coach shrugged. “I guess.”

So I pulled her aside and asked directly, “Do you want to hit?”

Her eyes lit up: “YES!”

Long story short—she went 2-for-3 with a stand-up triple and the game-winning RBI.

I’ll never forget how she ran off the field, helmet flying, yelling,

“COACH D I TOLD YOU I COULD HIT!”

That’s the thing. Sometimes, we forget how much the mental side matters. When a kid believes they’re allowed to compete—they show you what they’re capable of.

So before labeling someone “pitcher-only,” ask:

Are we doing this for development—or for convenience?

There’s a big difference.

Coaches, have you had a player prove you wrong (in the best way)? Share it. Let’s hype up the athletes who show up when no one expects it.