SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Victoria Ruelas, formerly known as Victoria Brucker, made history in 1989 when she became the second girl to participate in the Little League World Series. At that time, she faced unique challenges, including having to stay at a hotel with her parents due to the absence of dorm accommodations for female players.
Reflecting on her experience, Ruelas recalls, “I had to drive in every morning before the boys even got up,” highlighting the commitment she had to make during the tournament. Despite the pressures and the media attention, she now recognizes the significance of her journey, stating, “You thought you should have done better, but looking back now, it was like, ‘Gosh, no wonder.’”
Ruelas played for Eastview Little League in San Pedro, California, where she not only participated but also made history by being the first girl to secure a hit and pitch in the tournament. Having never flown before, the experience was monumental for her and her teammates, many of whom had never left California. She vividly remembers the exhaustion of arriving late after a regional victory over Hawaii, stating, “You look back at it now, like, ‘Gosh, how did we even do that?’”
Fast forward to this year’s Little League World Series, where Carsynn Meyer and Kinley Rasmus became the 25th and 26th girls to compete in the event. Ruelas, who led her team to the semifinals against Trumbull, Connecticut, expressed her admiration for Meyer’s achievements, saying, “Make sure you put out a shoutout to Carsynn and tell her, ‘Great job because that’s the farthest any girl’s gone, of course.’”
Currently residing in Hawaii, Ruelas works as a high school science teacher and remains connected to the sport she loves. She played on the U.S. women’s national team during a time when it was not officially sanctioned by USA Baseball and was even drafted into professional softball. At 49, she continues to participate in women’s tournaments, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to one’s passion.
“Most of the teams nowadays are younger,” she explains. “Us older ones have to find each other. If we want to have fun and do the stuff we like to do, that’s what we gotta do.” Ruelas recently participated in tryouts for the new Women’s Professional Baseball League, where she shared light-hearted moments with Mo’ne Davis, another notable figure in Little League history.
Throughout her journey, Ruelas has remained an advocate for girls in baseball. She encourages young female athletes to pursue their interests, stating, “If you love the game, do what you love to do.” She is passionate about ensuring that girls have the opportunity to play baseball without being funneled into softball due to societal expectations.
Ruelas acknowledges the challenges faced by girls in the sport, recalling her own experiences of being one of the few girls in Little League. “It’s just crazy how it’s still only 26 now,” she notes, emphasizing the need for more girls to be given the chance to compete at higher levels. She believes that many girls feel pressured to switch to softball at a young age, which she considers unfortunate.
As a pioneer in the sport, Ruelas continues to inspire the next generation of female athletes, urging them to embrace their love for baseball and pursue their dreams. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made in women’s sports and the work still needed to ensure equal opportunities for all athletes.
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