Having recently returned from the 2004 Baseball Canada awards banquet in Victoria, B.C., Melanie Harwood chatted with Baseball Canada.ca and shared some of her thoughts on her achievements and memories with the inaugural women’s national team. To read more about the 2004 women’s national team MVP and the pride of Tottenham, Ont., continue to read below.
BC: How does it feel to be recognized as women's team MVP?
Harwood: It's an honor, of course. I'm glad I had the opportunity to create exposure for women's baseball. I'm happy to accept the award because it helps provide more recognition for women's baseball.
BC: How would you describe the past season with the original Baseball Canada women's national team?
Harwood: I think everyone learned a bit about themselves, with respect to baseball and life. It was a learning experience working with such a high level of coaching. Everybody learned a lot and it was a great chance to expose women's baseball. Nothing was better than standing along the baseline hearing O Canada being sung. It was an amazing experience.
BC: What sort of things are you focusing on to prepare for future women's baseball opportunities?
Harwood: As a player, there's lots to learn, such as forming a proper approach to preparing for opposing teams. Beyond my playing years, I personally want to help develop the program so I can assist in coaching one day.
BC: What did you learn from this past summer – as a player and as a person?
Harwood: There's so much. I learned what it means to be a team player and a leader, showing by example. It's important to be able to demonstrate what you're teaching out on the field and I'm fortunate to have developed skills as a leader, not only cheering on my teammates but also helping guide them. As a person, I now know what it means to be part of a true team. I know what it means to be a positive influence and example for others, which I hope to carry forward to future players in baseball and situations in life.
BC: What sort of future do you see for women's baseball on the global level?
Harwood: I think it will be a slow process developing women's baseball globally. It's new still and we as players have to continue exposing it. I would love to see women's baseball in the Olympics and I'd certainly want and strive to be a part of it.
Melanie Harwood currently works as an account representative for Kroll Background America, a pre-employment screening company, in Toronto, Ont.
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