The Love of Baseball and a Dream for the Future

The Love of Baseball and a Dream for the Future

I'll never forget putting on my first pair of cleats. I was 11 years old, and they were a hand-me-down gift from a friend who had outgrown them (thank you, Melanie!). She also gave me her glove, and together we figured out a way for me to walk to her house after school on the days Little League practiced. That small act of kindness made it possible for me to play on my first baseball team. From that day forward, I was hooked. Baseball became one of my favorite sports—not just because of the game itself, but because of the people who play it, the fans who watch it, and the incredible relationships it fosters.

Dirt on my cleats, fire in my heart, and grace in my soul. Playing hard, living boldly, and staying humble—because it’s not just about winning, it’s about loving every moment of the game and the journey. ⚾🔥💙

Fast forward more than three decades, and my love for the game has only grown. I've worked with schools, teams, and facilities, traveled extensively, and even played on a traveling team for a decade before having Malachi. I feel like I've played or watched games in just about every baseball facility in our state—probably more than I can count!

Now, my son Easton is 12 (aptly named after the bat, haha), and we’re entering the season—the pinnacle year for kids in Little League, the one they work their whole young lives for. At this stage, practicing every day isn’t even a question; the only question is for how long each day. It didn’t surprise me to hear that in his latest practice, he hit 64 mph on his catcher pull-downs—pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself! Meanwhile, Malachi got a $100 tip last week for catching a bullpen session for a professional MLB pitcher. He’s also the catching coach for the youth professional team he plays for, the Redmond Dudes. He’s incredibly strong, fun to watch, and has such a beautiful energy and love for people. I feel beyond blessed as a boy mom.

Baseball isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. Thankful for these five incredible men who inspire me every day on and off the field. 💙⚾ #ProudMom #Teamwork

Hosting, Community, and Baseball Connections

One of the unique aspects of my life has been hosting incredible people from different cultures in our home. Over the past decade, we've welcomed more than 50 guests—friends, athletes, and even strangers who needed a place to stay. It’s something I grew up with, as my family always had room for foster siblings, runaway kids, or anyone in need. My dad even ran a homeless shelter, and his huge heart for helping others is something my parents passed down to me. It’s been an adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here is most of my family as we went home from church. My youngest sister Caroline was in my mom's lap, I was in the wayyyy back lol

Before COVID, MLB players would stay with host families—people who would house them, take them to practice, and provide a sense of home while they were playing here. Many of these young players came from the Dominican Republic, and I’ve always had a soft spot for my Latino friends. The moment I heard we could host, I jumped at the opportunity! It was such a fun experience, though I know it wasn’t always easy. Some players had better setups than others, depending on their host family’s limitations. Even now, with apartment housing available, I feel like there’s still a need for a better system—one that sets these young athletes up for success on and off the field.

The Vision: Team Housing for Baseball Communities

As someone who has organized a lot of groups, I understand the challenges of finding housing that suits entire teams or families. It’s frustrating when you travel to spend time with a group, only to end up scattered across different hotels with limited transportation. For kids in sports, these moments are some of their only chances to truly socialize, and in today’s increasingly isolating world, those opportunities matter more than ever.

One of my dream projects is to build team housing—essentially a large lodge-style facility where entire baseball teams can stay together. Imagine a massive pole building designed to accommodate both teams and their families, complete with:

- A practice facility

- A workout space

- A dining and gathering area

- Lodging designed to fit the needs of large groups

- A space for hosting events, complete with a dance floor and plenty of parking

I know this is possible. I’ve even seen a similar concept on TikTok or somewhere along my travels. As I spend time in Chehalis this summer, staying in some of the old, outdated hotels that desperately need modernization, I’ll be working hard to rally syndications to bring this vision to life. I can see real value in building these facilities near key baseball hubs—Leavenworth, Monroe, Centralia/Chehalis, Kirkland, Tacoma, Lynden, Wenatchee, Yakima, Spokane, and Vancouver.

Making It Happen: The Power of Zeolite

What’s really exciting is that, with the technology I am aware of, we can clean contaminated soil. That means I’m open to building these facilities on industrial sites or even repurposing Superfund locations. The tools in our toolbox allow us to make real environmental and community impact, and I can’t wait to put them to good use.

Baseball has shaped so much of my life, from the friendships I’ve built to the lessons I’ve learned, and now, to the dreams I want to bring to reality. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!