Dear American Girl,
I play baseball, and I really enjoy it. The only problem is—I'm the only girl on the team! The summer season is coming up, and I want to make friends with my new teammates. But I don't know where to start. How do I begin to be friends with a bunch of boys?
-Oh boy!
Here's your advice:
Believe it or not, boys aren't aliens from another planet. Just be friendly and nice, the same way you'd start a friendship with a girl.
-Bridget, age 13, New Jersey
You do have one thing in common with the boys—you all like baseball! Talk about baseball with your teammates. Soon you might have lots of new friends.
-Beth, age 12, Virginia
A compliment can be a great way to start a conversation. You could tell your teammate, "Wow, great pitch!" or "Way to go on that home run."
-Reilly, age 9, Ohio
Unfortunately, some boys underestimate girls who play sports. Don't get frustrated. Just be yourself and play your best.
-Ally, age 11, Texas
It's great that you're not letting insecurity get in the way of your love for baseball. Just be the happy, pleasant girl you are. Don't act "tough" or be someone you're not to befriend these boys.
-Kaylee, age 13, California
Don't make a big deal out of the fact that you're the only girl on the team. The boys might feel uncomfortable if you're acting differently or trying to get attention. Just have fun and enjoy playing baseball.
-Melissa, age 12, Illinois
Find your confidence. Stand up straight, look your teammates in the eye, and smile. People tend to be more open when you seem to be friendly and confident. I hope that you and these boys will become great friends!
-An American Girl fan, age 11, California
Making a joke is a great way to start a conversation, with girls or boys. Show your teammates that you like to have fun and laugh. You might be joking around with them in no time!
-Liva, age 10, Seattle
Fitting in can be hard. Be yourself. If your teammates don't accept you for who you are, then it's not worth it to try to be friends with them. If that's the case, focus less on making friends and more on baseball.
-An American Girl fan, age 11, New Hampshire
Ask the boys what they like about baseball and who their favorite professional players are. Before you know it, you could be having lots of conversations with them.
-Grace, age 13, Delaware
I have lots of boys as friends, and we share many of the same interests. Ask about their favorite books, foods, or places to visit. Don't think of them as boys—think of them as people.
-Avery, age 8, California
Start simple—tell a teammate "Good work" after a practice or game. That could lead to a conversation, which might turn into a friendship.
-Sarah, age 11, Oregon
If you're having trouble with something, you could ask some teammates to help you. For example, you can say, "You have a great swing—do you think you could show me how you do that?"
-Anne, age 10, California
I was the only girl on a baseball team, and I felt kind of lonely. The only person I knew was my brother. At first, the boys teased me. But after a while, they realized I was serious about playing, and I made friends with them. Start by trying to be friends with one or two boys, and soon, they all might want to be your friends.
-Emma, age 13, New York
