Published June 26, 2020
By KATELYN TARPEY
My eight years of little league experience has given me more than I could’ve asked for. Beginning from T-ball and continuing through to major league, I was able to play and compete with friends and family. I learned so many skills each year to make me better for the next, and I created memories and friendships that I still carry with me today. Playing in Melrose National Little League has, without a doubt, made me the person I am today.
Throughout all of my years of baseball, I was very fortunate to have my dad (Steve Tarpey) as my coach. He was a role model on and off the field and was able to push me while cheering me on at the same time. I was also coached by John DeCecca for many years, which meant his daughter, Ella, would be my teammate. Ella and I played six years together and immediately became close friends. As we got older, we ended up being the last two girls in the league. We have kept a really close friendship since our first season together, and we were always there to cheer each other on.
Every other year, I would also get to play with my younger brother, Matt. We had days where we would fight, but ultimately, we both learned from each other over the years. The DeCeccas became like another family to us. I still look up to Mr. DeCecca today, and am forever thankful to have had him and my dad be such encouraging role models to me.
The most memorable part of my little league experience was my first home run in my last year. I remember pulling the ball so much that I thought it was a routine fly for the left fielder. I began to run the bases in case there was an error but as I rounded first I saw coach DeCecca with both hands up in celebration. I was confused at first but when I saw my teammates coming out of the dugout, I knew I had hit it over the fence! I was absolutely ecstatic as my teammates crowded around me when I reached home plate.
As my dad had pointed out to me after the fact, it was even better that I hit a home run off of my neighbor and childhood friend. After many years of hard work, I had finally hit a home run as several other boys had begun to do. A few games later, Ella hit a home run as well. It made me so happy that we both hit one in our time playing together.
All of this experience prepared me for my time playing high school softball. When I tried out for softball, I was just as strong and competitive as any of the girls there. When I was younger, not only did I work hard in practices, but I would stay late and field with my dad. Coach DeCecca would throw to anyone who stayed for extra batting practice. This extra time helped me sharpen my skills.
Eight years of playing with boys gave me mental and physical strength that not everyone else has. Oftentimes I felt weaker, and that the boys would perceive me as an easy opponent. Yet, moments like hitting a home run or striking out players from the other team would prove them wrong.
This created a drive in me to be better every time I step on the field. When I tried out my freshman year, I was unaware that Austin Prep’s softball team was a returning state finalist. Every year, our team had an outstanding record and made a long tournament run. Eventually by my junior year, we had claimed the title of State Champions!
I don’t believe I would have gotten any playing time or even made my school’s team if it weren’t for my baseball experience. Not only did I learn basic skills and techniques, but I learned how to compete and always push myself to be the best I can be.
