Fast Pitch

Content Warning: This section of the Guide discusses themes surrounding racism and sexism in sports, including intimidation. Additionally, the source text uses outdated and offensive terms for Black people, replicated in this guide only in direct quotes of the source material.

“Impossible to not notice—for me at least—how different our two teams look.”

One of the most prevailing issues in Fast Pitch is the racial differences that present themselves on the field. As the first all-Black team in a mostly white league—the Dixie Youth—in Georgia, the Fulton Firebirds face racist actions from other players and fans. Even when people do not behave in overtly racist ways, the team feels the weight of the United States’ history of racism and segregation, especially in the South. They also feel the weight of the fights that allow them to play softball today—and the fights they must keep fighting to stay on the field.

“‘It’s a weight no one your age should have to carry, but can’t ignore,’ he says. And he’s right: Every win feels…historical.”

One significant narrative thread throughout the novel is what it means to write history and who gets to write it. Shenice finds herself in conflict with history because a white player, Jacob Carlyle, got to write her great-grandfather’s history; the MLB and all other leagues at the time wrote his history by erasing his accomplishments. Now, Shenice must rewrite JonJon’s history while writing her own with her team.

“Even making it to State would be huge: a message that girls like us do belong on the field.”

Sexism plays a role in the narrative, alongside racism. The Firebirds face both actions as people question whether they can play the game well.