Baum makes history as first woman to play baseball for Rose-Hulman

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — At first glance, Rose-Hulman seems like your ordinary college baseball team making a push towards the end of the season and conference tournament, but if you take a closer look you will find something very unique about RHIT – infielder, Jamie Baum.

“I definitely take it as a big responsibility,” says Baum. “I know for a lot of people that see me play, this is the highest level they’ve seen a woman playing at and any impression I set, good or bad, reflects on the sport as a whole for women’s baseball.”

Baum is the first women to play baseball for Rose and she made the most of her regular season debut with a two-run single against Webster University on April 17th.

“I was a little nervous obviously. I had never been in a varsity baseball game. I just went up there swinging the bat. I didn’t want to get a walk. I would’ve been fine with that, but I wanted to get a hit and that’s what I ended up doing.”

“She was our manager the last two years so she’s been around our program,” says head coach Adam Rosen.

“We followed her with Team USA in the summers with the national team and this past summer she reached out about wanting to try out for the team. I told her she would have the opportunity like anyone would. In the fall, she came out and was really competitive and it was a good fit with our roster and at her position so it’s been great.”

Did we also mention she plays a little basketball?

Baum earned All-HCAC First Team as a guard, averaging 13.6 points per game and led all league players by playing an average of 34 minutes.

“I think basketball helps keep me in shape. Baseball you have to do that on your own and you aren’t going to get that playing in a game. Baseball is good for the mental side of things and I think that has really helped my basketball game.”

“It’s just really cool to see her do her thing on the baseball field,” says senior Dalton Busboom. “She fits in great with us. She’s definitely a great part of our team. It’s been great having her around.”

She’s hoping her story inspires more people to work hard and chase after their dreams.

“Just don’t be afraid,” Baum says. “Everyone fails. Baseball is a sport of failure especially when you are the only girl out there feeling like there’s a lot of pressure. Just know that everybody is struggling. It’s not easy for anyone. Just keep going.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.