ALLIANCE FASTPITCH BLOG

Interview and story by Bradynn Belcher (‘26c)

On the first weekend of July, Darby Myers stood in line at Dunkin’ Donuts, dressed in her Louisville Sluggers- Dorman softball uniform and ready for a tournament. A woman approached her and asked, “Do you actually play softball?” Darby smiled and said yes. Not only does she play, but she’s also committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level.

The woman, a mother, was visibly moved. “If you can do it, I know my daughter can too,” she told Myers.

As a softball player myself, I have never been approached in public and admired for my bravery, but Myers is different.

For the last 14 years, Myers has played softball, and excelled, with one arm, defying expectations and redefining what’s possible in the sport.

Myers was born with a fused elbow. According to the National Institutes of Health, a fused elbow, or congenital radioulnar synostosis, is a rare condition where two bones in the forearm are unusually fused together near the elbow joint.

In Myers’ case, she is significantly restricted in her ability to pronate or supinate her left arm. Limited rotation can hinder the performance of everyday tasks, such as eating, turning a doorknob and playing sports.

Despite of the odds, Myers is a standout outfielder, first baseman and lefty power hitter—all with one hand.

Myers has a reputation for rising above challenges. Her relentless spirit has earned her the honor of being named the honorary game captain for the 2025 Alliance All-Star game.

The Early Years

Her story did not begin with a mission to defy odds. It began with a glove, a bat and a group of friends in a small Philadelphia neighborhood where softball was simply part of growing up.

“I always felt like this is what I was meant to do,” Myers said.

Once she moved on from her neighborhood team, Myers became part of the Mystics Dorman travel softball team under coach Adam Dorman, for whom she has great appreciation.

“I am so thankful to (Coach Dorman) for giving me the opportunity to play and seeing past my disadvantage,” Myers said. “He treated me just like all the other girls and made me feel at home.”

At this time, Myers sought out athletes that could relate to her and give her advice on efficient techniques to adopt, such as the fastest way to the glove off her hand and throw the ball. Most notably, Myers developed a relationship with Jim Abbott, former professional baseball pitcher who was known for being born without a right hand.

Rising Above Doubt

Like many athletes, Myers faced her share of slumps, particularly when it came to hitting for power, which she noted can be especially challenging with one hand. Still, she never thought about walking away from the game. Softball had given her so much, and she felt a deep responsibility to keep pushing forward.

“Softball has taught me so many life lessons,” Myers said. “Since I played softball, I knew I could do other things too. I can drive a car, and I have a job as a waitress. I can do anything because at such an early age softball instilled that mindset that can’t means won’t.”

That mindset carried Myers through a successful high school softball career at Merion Mercy Academy. In her final season, she was honored as the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Her story does not end there. Myers will continue her academic and softball career this fall at Holy Family University, an NCAA Division II institution in Philadelphia. Myers will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

At Holy Family University, Myers hopes to use her platform as a collegiate athlete to inspire the next generation of athletes.

“It does not matter what kind of disadvantage or disability you have,” Myers said. “You can always adapt and overcome it. Everything is possible if you have your mind towards something.”

You can catch Myers at the Alliance All-Star game, presented by EvoShield, on July 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The game will be held at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Indiana. For those that cannot make it in person, the game will be aired on ESPN+. WATCH HERE