Women's baseball debuts at the 2025 Canada Games. The N.L. trailblazer says it's a huge deal

Women's baseball will make its Canada Games debut in St. John's this summer, and hometown talent and history-maker Jaida Lee says it's a big step forward.

Lee broke down the gender barrier during the 2022 Canada Games at the age of 16, pitching for the Newfoundland and Labrador's men's team and becoming the first woman to compete in baseball in Canada Games history.

Her jersey, and the ball she threw for her first pitch, sit in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

"The experience was amazing. I met people from all around Canada that I still talk to now, and still see when I'm travelling," Lee told CBC Radio's The Signal Wednesday.

Now, in her hometown, the 2025 Canada Games will mark the debut of women's baseball. Lee said it's a huge advancement for the sport.

"That will be super cool to see, just how they compete and everything," she said.

"I like to think I had some part in pushing that, but it's just really cool to see the progression that's happening for women's sports in general. You see it in a bunch of different sports, but baseball seems to be a little bit behind right now. But that's a really good ... step forward for women's baseball, especially in Canada."

Lee said her experiences in baseball and other sports have shaped her as a person and the direction life has taken her.

Karl Smith, co-chair of the Canada Games Host Society, said moments like Lee's are part of why he got involved in this year's Canada Games.

"These are defining moments for young people, and it's amazing," he said.

"Karen [Sherriffs] and I were at the field when she pitched her first pitch, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It was surreal. It was a strike, too."

Though Lee won't be competing this year, she'll be home to watch women's baseball make its debut.

She also left a piece of advice for those competing.

"You only get one time to play at the Canada Games and then you're aged out. So really take it in, and just have fun."

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