Brave midwestern boy challenges gender stereotypes. Let’s give him the credit he deserves.

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I would never admit this publicly but I was an elite athlete who already locked down a scholarship to an elite institution so I couldn’t have possibly given less of a frick about “boosting my resume” by joining some poppycock little club or program.

Except for one. It had everything I could ask for in an after-school activity: Warm weather. Girls. Tight pants. Third base. High energy. Donuts. Pizzazz. America’s pastime. The spirit of athletic competition. And the cherry on top of the “good vibes” sundae? A post-season trip to Cedar Point?—?The Roller Coaster Capital of the World?—?with the varsity squad in June. It was a Midwestern boy’s dream wrapped up in a bow and ripe for the taking. My only dilemma? This organization that enticed me so much was called “Diamond Girls” and, as the name might suggest, it was a “pep club” for the baseball team that was intended for “females only” according to the official handbook. Not on my off-brand G-shock.

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Long story short, I scratched and clawed for social justice. I battled adversity and overcame oppression. I fought for inclusivity, broke down a long-standing stereotype, and blazed a trail for my gender that will go on to be remembered for years to come. I became the first ever Diamond Girl boy in school history. And I rode the frick out of the Millennium Force that summer. Thrice.

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And guess what happened the next year, thanks in whole to my fearless leadership and unapologetic courage? “Diamond Girls” was officially renamed to “Diamond Club” to encourage male involvement

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A few years ago, if I had told someone I wanted to be a Diamond Girl, they would probably have looked at me like I was crazy. To actually be on such an esteemed spirit squad with such incredible teammates…it’s greater than imagined. It’s definitely surreal. Would I consider myself a hero? Well, it’s hard to say. Is Susan B. Anthony a hero? What about Harriet Tubman or Florence Nightingale or David Hogg or Pearl S. Buck?”

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