MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" slowly fades into Rihanna and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind." No. 12 in blue and white takes a couple of quick, violent hacks and then digs into the box glaring menacingly at the pitcher.
Behind that look is a feeling of determination, a determination to keep the line moving and help her team. It's a quality that was instilled in Middle Tennessee third baseman Julia Garcia at a young age growing up along the banks of the Hudson River. It's why, perhaps, she's been a player whose name is more likely to be penned on a lineup card, rather than penciled.