Baseball

Britt Apgar’s Rise in the Women’s Professional Baseball League

From a congenital limb difference to a professional draft pick, her story highlights resilience and support

A Determined Journey

Britt Apgar entered the world with a small right forearm, half a palm and no fingers on her right hand, a condition that set the stage for a lifelong battle against physical limitations.

Her parents instilled a mantra that she should never use her hand as an excuse, urging her to pour her heart into every endeavor, a lesson that shaped her approach to sport and life.

Batting right‑handed, Apgar rests the bat on the flat nub of her right arm while guiding the swing with her left hand, a technique she refined through relentless practice and adaptation.

In the outfield she developed a distinctive method for pitching and catching, turning what many would see as a handicap into a strategic advantage.

From Softball to Baseball

After a disappointing experience with a high school coach, Apgar switched from softball back to baseball, a move that reignited her passion for the game and opened a path toward the professional league.

She attended a Women’s Professional Baseball League camp where she faced scrutiny because of her limb difference, prompting her to seek innovative solutions through social media and professional collaborators.

Prosthetic Innovation

Working alongside Jeff Gardner and Chrysta Irolla, Apgar helped design a prototype prosthetic that enhanced her grip and stability, allowing her to perform at a higher level during tryouts.

The rigorous training regimen, supported by family and friends, prepared her for the demanding WPBL draft process, culminating in her selection by the Los Angeles Queens in the third round.

A Network of Mentors

Throughout her ascent, Apgar credited mentors such as Jim Abbott, Niki Eckert and Isaiah Manning, as well as teammates like Courtney Jamison and Natalie Brewer, for providing guidance and encouragement.

The collective support from her siblings — Tommie, Zach and others — and the expertise of specialists at the Hospital for Special Surgery further cemented her foundation for success.

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