Australia’s first female player to make it to the World Series is also this year’s only girl | News, Sports, Jobs
Australia’s Emma Gainsford catches a ball hit by Asia-Pacific’s Lin Sheng-Kai in the 4th inning at Volunteer Stadium during the Little League World Series. Asia-Pacific won 11-0. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Breaking down barriers is no easy task, but that’s exactly what Little League International set out to do when the league opened up the opportunity for girls to participate in youth baseball in 1974.
Since then, 23 young women have made it to the World Series. This year, Emma Gainsford, outfielder and pitcher for the Australian Hills Little League champions, is not only the newest addition to that squad, but also the first Australian player to compete at Lamade Stadium.
“She was one of those kids who just enjoys everything that is put in front of her, it doesn’t necessarily have to be baseball,” said Matt Gainsford, Emma’s father.
“This is a great adventure. Coming to such a beautiful city with such a baseball and Little League tradition is exciting for all children. And I know Emma is especially soaking up this story.” Said Matt.
When asked, Emma said that one of the best parts of the experience was the work that was required to participate in the tournament.
“Coming with the team, working hard and getting the team to just play better until we got here and then doing our best,” she said.
“It feels incredible,” Emma said she was the first Australian to play at South Williamsport’s home stadium.
“It was just incredible that I could be the first. Just playing those two games was a great feeling, being on the world stage,” she said.
Although the team was eliminated after just two games, the stands were full of cheering fans, many of them from home, which the players also noticed.
“It was a good feeling to have the support of the others while playing,” Said Emma.
Emma, who is already in her sixth year of playing, has always had a love for baseball.
“I liked baseball, so I just picked it up, started playing, and got better at it as I got older,” she explained.
Although many young players often gravitate towards softball, that was never the line of work for Emma. She said her all-time favorite player is Mookie Betts, right fielder and shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I didn’t really have an eye for softball. I just didn’t see how it could be more fun than baseball, so I stuck with baseball.” she said.
While some teammates can make it difficult for women who want to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports, fortunately that was far from the case for Emma.
“I think that’s because it starts at a young age,” Said Matt.
“When they’re six and seven, there’s no distinction. They’re just kids who want to play baseball. And in Australia, it’s a mixed sport, so it’s quite normal.” he said.
“Everyone was very accepting the whole time. Sometimes when a girl becomes more dominant and better than the boys, she can get a little weird, but that was definitely not the case in this case. They are all very open-minded about her abilities and skills. They have been really supportive.” Said Matt.
“They are very respectful and get along very well, they are good friends,” said Emma’s mother Lara.
“They definitely don’t see her as a player. They just see her as a really good player.” Said Matt.
Many people describe the World Series as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players, but Emma’s parents certainly feel the same way.
“It was a proud moment for our family to see Emma compete in this wonderful tournament,” Said Matt.
“It is so emotional for all parents because we know how much hard work and dedication the children have put into this moment. The fact that Emma is the first Australian girl to play and pitch in a Little League World Series will always have a very special place in our hearts. A wonderful achievement from a very talented young girl,” he said.
“Emma’s journey was pretty intense over two years. For a young girl who had so much potential to suddenly step into the spotlight and say, ‘Wow, this girl can act,’ she had to deal with that aspect the whole time and she handled it really well,” Said Matt.
“And then coming here, I think she always saw it as a reward for the hard work she had done,” he said.
This hard work is crucial for all young people who want to take up the sport, said Emma.
“Just keep working hard and keep at it, keep being inspired and don’t stop loving the game,” Emma advises all young athletes.
And while “I’m going to Disneyland” Although it has become a common reason to celebrate, the Gainsfords will be doing their victory lap at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania.
