08/19/2026
Doing new things is terrifying. But it turns out it’s worth it to do terrifying things!
Growing up in girl mode, playing softball created some of the best memories of my childhood.
Even though I hadn’t played since I was about 15 (and never as a dude), I sheepishly showed up at a ball diamond three seasons ago.
A friend invited me. He said it was a super casual, chill league — he’d been invited by a friend, but couldn’t make it that night.
(🚨: it is neither super casual nor chill.)
As I walked up to the dusty field, glove in hand, stomach in knots, the group of strangers all looked at me with confusion written across their faces.
“I’m a friend of Pete’s,” I explained. Hoping the confusion would clear.
“Uhh. Who’s Pete?” asked the team captain/coach/manager.
I died.
She was kind enough to see my near death experience & smiled bright at me, and sent me out into the field to s**g some balls.
I was not as good as I remembered my teenage self being. I almost didn’t come back. Without that smile, that kindness, that “you’re welcome here” from JJ KITCHEN I probably wouldn’t have.
Being not great at something I care about, on a team, where my performance affects more than just me — that’s cruel and unusual punishment for my Capricorn self.
Turns out playing co-ed ball triggers every “I’m not good enough to play with the boys” thought floating around in my head. It’s the subject of a lot of my therapy.
It’s also given me more joy, friendship, and community than almost anything else in my life in recent years.
This weekend I wrapped up another season at the Roddy Wilson Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament on Galiano.
What a legacy. Such an honour to be included. Such a joy to spend it with some of my favourite people — my teammates, my community, my baby Danger playing along side me, and some rad strangers.
Did I catch every ball? Nope.
Did I have feelings about that? Absolutely.
Did I have fun anyway? Heck Yes!
3 cheers for JJ’s and her Jays.
2 for my super swell teammates & pals across the field from me!
1 for me for showing up even when it’s scary and easier not to!
Turns out the scariest things always seem to give us the most back!
