In My Own Words: Why I Bat Flip

The past few weeks have been a bit crazy. I had to learn how to turn off my notifications on Twitter and Instagram. Who would've thought that something so simple, just a habit, would have taken over social media?

I can't put into words how cool of a feeling it is to see yourself on MLB Twitter accounts playing the game of softball. It gives me a chance to help grow our game, to show the world that softball can be just as fun and exciting if you just give it a chance.

But now, I'm at the center of an old debate. Bat flips. Are they a sign of joy and excitement or the highest level of disrespect?

Let's start with this. There's nothing personal when I flip my bat. Honestly, it doesn't matter who threw the pitch I just sent over the scoreboard. My bat flip has nothing to do with the other team. That's a moment between myself, the ball, the bat and the emotions that fill my heart when I play this game.

I came to Mississippi State three years ago, and I was angry.

I've told my story before. After losing my Pops to a heart attack over Christmas break, I felt like I'd lost control of my world. I couldn't take standing on the diamond in Arizona and seeing his empty seat in the stands. So I stepped away.

Softball was and always has been the biggest connection for me with my dad. He taught me the game, taught me every sport I ever played. My mom had me in Polynesian dancing as a kid until Pops took me to the softball field. From then on it was just the two of us, working on my swing with tennis balls in the garage.

I think the moments that I really enjoyed with him were our long car rides back home from games or to practices, trainings and all that stuff. That's the most quality time I actually got to spend with him, just one on one. It was just me and him in the car, vibing and listening to old music, talking about what my future could potentially hold with playing a sport.

He was my best friend. He was my go-to guy for softball. He knew the ins and outs of how I was doing on the field. We grew up together in knowing the game.

Once he was gone things started to go downhill. Losing the one person that really dedicated his whole life into my softball career was tragic to me. Losing that best friend that you knew that was always there. He knew what I was feeling when I didn't even know what I was feeling in the midst of frustrating games, pressuring practices and all that stuff.

So I walked away for a year.

When I came to Mississippi State, Coach Ricketts will tell you, I had a lot of growing to do. I had a lot of emotions to work through, and the one that came out the most was anger.

I was angry that Pops was gone. I was angry when my swing wasn't quite right. I was angry when things didn't go my way.

But my teammates and coaches helped me let go of that. That first season in Maroon and White was dedicated to my dad. I wanted to make him proud. Every home run was a swing for him, a moment I could look at and say, "Pops would be smiling right now."

Now I play for myself. I have joy on the softball field again. There isn't the same pressure.

It's definitely been a blessing being able to be a part of a program that allows you to be you, unapologetically. Especially trusting in the coaching staff, that no matter what you go through they will carry you on. That goes into the game as well, having that type of chemistry to have fun and stay relaxed. The game knows, and it definitely rewards us for it.

Now back to my bat flips. Remember, I've done this ever since I got to Mississippi State. I've always flipped the bat and waved goodbye to the ball when it's clear it's not staying in the ballpark. Honestly, that's just me in the moment. I cannot control it. When you know, you know.

This year, it first got noticed in our game at Texas. That ball bounced off the middle of the scoreboard in center field. The next day, I hit one at Baylor, and that's when things really took off. MLB's Cut4 posted the clip. SEC Network posted clips. Our own MSU Softball account posted clips, and the comments started coming in.

Most are positive. People see the joy, the passion, the excitement that comes out when you put all of your effort into something, and it pays off. But there's always been a group that sees that emotion as disrespect.

At the end of the day, that bat flip is definitely just passion. Respecting the game and playing 110 percent every game, giving it our all to each other and to the game. Giving the dedication shows passion and love.

The best part is not even the bat flip. It's coming home seeing the excitement and seeing my sisters running to home plate.

My heart just melts, it reminds me this is why I do this. Those walk-offs were dedicated to every single one of my teammates.  If it wasn't for them setting me up for the position to be successful, it would never happen.

I think it's an important discussion to have. It's definitely important for us as female athletes to put our platform onto a bigger stage that we deserve and give ourselves the respect that we deserve.

Have that type of confidence. I encourage all players across the country, be you. That's most important.

And oh yeah, let's #NormalizeBatFlips. Hail State.

Mississippi State University Athletics

In My Own Words: Why I Bat Flip

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