Bat Girls are the versatile yes-men that every baseball team needs. We tend to the fans, umpires, players, and anyone in between. From selling programs to picking up bats and balls, we do everything and anything you could think of. As my first season as a Bat Girl comes to an end, I am here to put to rest some of the myths and stereotypes that follow around the term "Bat Girl."
1. "You must know everything about baseball."
Though I did play softball my entire childhood, knowing everything is a far stretch. My experience and knowledge do not speak for every Bat Girl. Some bat girls have never played baseball or softball, and some have been around the sports for their entire lives. Knowledge of basic baseball is quite useful if not necessary as a Bat Girl. Though basics are important, "everything" is a far cry.
2. "So you're trying to date a player right?"
This answer is, whether you like it or not, "no." There is a no fraternization rule between Bat Girls and the players. Socialization is allowed, but anything within the premises of the stadium is not allowed. If there are any violations or problems within these rules, the Bat Girl can and will be asked to leave the team. So if you are trying to date a player, make sure to keep it in the off-season and then don't tryout for Bat Girls again.
3. "Do you get special help for classes?"
This is a hard "NO." We are expected to maintain a certain GPA, and can be released during the season or denied during tryouts because of our GPA. Though the players have study halls during road games and tutors during the semester, we are expected to maintain our GPAs, work our scheduled games, and keep up with any other activities that we have planned.
4. "You probably get free merchandise all the time."
This question comes with a "yes" and a "no." Yes because we do receive free merchandise, however, this merchandise is the free promotional items that we give to those that arrive early to ballgames. We do not receive any other merchandise for free. Promotional items can range from T-shirts to pins, and they're not just free for Bat Girls.
5. "Is traveling with the team fun?"
I do wish that I could answer this question with a "yes" or "no," but I have never experienced this. Most teams do not take their Bat Girls on road games. I know that in the past Bat Girls have traveled to Hoover, Alabama for the SEC tournament, but that has not happened in a few years. I assume that traveling for games would be a great and fun experience, but I cannot honestly tell you whether it is or not.
Being a Bat Girl is an experience unlike any other. Getting to know the event staff and the umpires that work every few weekends fills the innings with good conversations and good times. The girls that I have met this year during my time as a Bat Girl will forever have a place in my heart, and the amazing Alex Box Stadium/Skip Bertman Field will always be a place I look forward to. I hope that this clears up any misconceptions about Bat Girls.
