Shay Oberg, a 21 year old switch-hitting junior at Montana State-Billings, has hit three homers so far this season. Shay was born without a left hand. She always batted from the left hand side of the plate starting in Little League on through high school, using her right hand with a back hand stroke. That was good enough to be named all-state in her senior year at Billings (Mont.) West High.

Shay just started switch-hitting this season. Her three round-trippers have all been righty, using a forearm stroke from the right side. Her team, the Yellowjackets, are a game out of first place, and are 16-4 in their last 20 games. In addition to the three homers, Shay is batting .259, has 12 RBI in 81 at-bats, and has three assists from leftfield.

It's nice to see a woman overcome real adversity, and get recognition through her performance on the field. She wanted to play, and excelled at it. She didn't demand respect, she earned it. Here's to Shay Oberg, a real lady on and off the field.

source USA Today

photo Billings Gazette