Q and A With Katherine DeLoid
Katherine DeLoid is the Director of Operations and one of three founders of Big League AI. We sat down with Katherine and asked her nine questions, here are his answers.
Why did you decide to start Big League AI?
I wanted to be a part of this team, because I didn’t grow up with the greatest softball experience. I was a great athlete with a lot of potential, but came from a small town where it was usually the dads of the other girls in the town who coached all of the teams. I had one coach in particular who would always pick me to be on his team, but would never play me.
I sat on the bench a lot, or got to pinch run for someone, but never got a chance to really show my stuff. I tried my best in all of the practices, and every off-season I would work extra hard to Improve on my skills. But every year, it was the same thing, where the same coach would pick me so no one else could pick me, and I just sat. Eventually, my patience for the sport just ran out and I lost interest. It is one of my biggest regrets to this day that I gave up playing.
I want to be able to give those kids, who have talent but just aren’t being seen, the opportunity to have that chance. I want to see girls and boys succeed, despite how they are coached, or not coached. I believe this company provides an opportunity for those players to be able to show what they are capable of, and be able to prove to those coaches who think they don’t have it, that they do. I want to be a part of growing the game for everyone, and not letting bad experiences dictate what could be very bright futures.
What is your favorite baseball team and why?
My favorite baseball team is the Boston Red Sox. I grew up in New Hampshire, 45 mins outside Boston, and have spent my life cheering for the hometown team.
Who is your favorite baseball or softball player and why?
I have grown up in an era with a lot of great talent, but there is one player from my lifetime, and an exciting time in baseball for my hometown team, that really has resonated with me the most.
David Ortiz showed up to the Red Sox organization after a trade from the Twins and came to play every day. He was the true definition of what it meant to be a star in Boston. He gave his all every game, and carried the team on his back most nights.
Sure, he helped break the Curse of the Bambino in the city, but it is more than that. When the unthinkable happened, and the Boston Marathon bombing occurred, Ortiz was the guy who was carrying the city on his back and fighting for everyone. His rally cry of “This is our F’in City” echoes throughout Boston even to this day.
He was the definition of what an icon should be, not only in what he was able to do on the field, but what he was able to do outside of just baseball when it was needed the most. A guy from the Dominican Republic, whose only tie to Boston was the name he wore on the front of his shirt, and he put that city on his back and lifted them up when they needed it most.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
2004, game 4 of the ALDS. The Red Sox are down in the series 0-3 against the Yankees. Dave Roberts steals second base in the 9th..and the rest is history.
What baseball or softball player, that you’ve met personally, had the biggest impression on you?
I met softball player Jennie Finch at a networking event a few years ago, and I was impressed with her dedication the sport of softball. She hasn’t played professionally in a few years, but she has remained committed to getting softball players more exposure.
I have followed her on social media and have seen her excitement when they have added the college softball world series to ESPN, and the amount of effort she has put into creating tournaments for other girls to compete in. There have been a lot of pioneers that have come before her, and a lot that will come after her, but because of her dedication, the sport of softball will have a much more broadcasted future.
Why is Big League AI so unique?
I really enjoy this app because everyone can use it. You don’t have to be on track to be the number one draft pick, or the stud on your team. You can just be someone who enjoys playing baseball and has fun.
You don’t have to pay for a fancy baseball technology lab to go analyze everything that you are doing , but you can have that same experience in your backyard, with your sibling or your parent and feel like you are in that space. There is no feeling of needing to be competitive with other people.
I like that you can enjoy this app and this major league experience in the comfort of wherever you want to use it, and not in the showcase space, or with other people watching and judging you.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the underdogs of the world. It gives me great joy to see people that have been counted out or overseen or replaced really come out and shine.
One of my favorite examples is the Michael Jordan story, where his high school coach told him he wasn’t good enough to make the varsity team when he tried out. So, he went out, and became the best basketball player to ever live. I want to continue to help and inspire those who are told they are “too small, or not good enough” to make it.
What’s you favorite baseball stadium and why?
Fenway Park. The feeling of sitting up in the bleachers next to the Green Monster, screaming “Sweet Caroline” with 37,000 other Boston fans gives me the chills. The history of that ballpark with all of its ups and downs is just unmatched by pretty much any other stadium in all of baseball.
What position did you play?
When I played, I mostly played right field, and I pitched and caught.
