Brown University freshman Olivia Pichardo created history by becoming the first woman to feature in a Division I baseball game. The 18-year-old from Queens, New York has gained numerous plaudits for her achievement, including receiving a text message from New York Mets’ manager Buck Showalter. Pichardo recognises that her predecessors paved the way for her and hopes to inspire other young women to pursue baseball. She admits it is surreal to be seen as a role model in a sport, which traditionally favours boys. Pichardo’s helmet, which she wore during her debut, will become part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection in Cooperstown.