Meet Heather Simon from Viva El Birdos

We have dozens of women covering pro and college sports for our team brands here at SB Nation. Meet one of those talented writers, Heather Simon, who writes for our Cardinals blog, Viva El Birdos.

I honestly cannot remember when I started watching baseball. As far as I can remember it has been there, just another fabric of my being. I grew up deep in the Cardinals territory of Illinois, so there was really no chance of rooting for any other team. I was 11 years old in 2004. I had just changed schools, and this was my first summer with my new friends. Summer softball was going to be my ticket to really cementing the bonds I had formed in the classroom, but I broke my wrist at the end of May and my plan was foiled. Instead, that summer was all about me sitting inside with Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, and Albert Pujols. I had always liked baseball, but that summer I fell in love. That love has since made me more friends than I ever that possible. I am so glad I broke my wrist.

Covering the Cardinals at Viva El Birdos has given me more opportunities than I ever thought possible. First and foremost are the people I have met. Through the site, I have made lifelong friends that have forever challenged me and changed me as a person in ways I know I will never be able to repay. The real treasure really is the friends we made along the way!

With that being said, I have managed to interact with Carlos Martínez several times, twice at events and once randomly. I was allowed to interview him when he visited a school near downtown St. Louis to help with their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser. He donated the jersey off his back and salsa danced on stage, despite being noticeably ill. Writing for SB Nation made that possible and it was amazing. (The time I randomly encountered him was at a rec league basketball game at a community center. We were both there to watch our friends play, then shot hoops afterward.)

As a woman, sexism presents a major challenge when writing about sports. My knowledge of the sport has been questioned since the fourth grade, when boys in my class would quiz me on random facts to prove I truly was a fan. I find myself constantly questioning my own abilities, harshly critiquing everything I say and write because I cannot afford to be wrong, not once, not ever, for risk of not only setting myself back, but all women in sports. I think nearly everyone woman has shared similar thoughts and experiences. I think many of us have questioned whether it is worth it. I know all of us would say it is, every single time, because we love baseball.

I began my tenure at SB Nation in the comment section of Viva El Birdos. As a college student, I often watched baseball alone as I studied, so it was nice stumbling upon this whole new culture of baseball fans. I was hooked instantly and would occasionally write game recaps in the Fanposts section. Nothing fancy, just a few key plays and jokes, but they were well-received. When VEB needed more writers I was asked if I would contribute an article a week and I agreed without hesitation. That was five years ago. Now I am an editor writing five posts a week and co-hosting the podcast. It has been a wonderful experience!

At Viva El Birdos, Gail Luscombe has been a crucial mentor to me, not just in writing, but in life. I know I can go to her with any problem, no matter how difficult, and she will have the answer for me, and more importantly, the tact to deliver the answer in a gentle, but stern way. Jen Langosch has been covering the Cardinals at MLB.com for many years now with a straightforward, unbiased style that I truly appreciate. Meg Rowley at Fangraphs is one of my favorite baseball writers. She seems to have the natural ability to capture the lighter side of baseball in the most delightful way, which is something I strive for in my writing.