Although Samrath Singh may not have his heart set on a professional baseball career, the impact he made as the first observant Sikh to play Division 1 baseball lives on. Singh set a precedent that increased the visibility of Sikhs in mainstream sport and has opened the door for other Sikh youth who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Persistent arm pain meant Singh only played a few baseball games as part of the Boston College Eagles, and he ultimately pursued a career in the financial services industry. Yet, Singh’s advice for the new generation of Sikh athletes continues to ring true in its simplicity: “I would just say to find what you’re passionate about and chase that,“ Singh said. “My parents put me in a lot of different activities and baseball stuck. I’ve worked hard and made it because I enjoy it.”
Why aren’t there more Sikhs in American sports?
One of the main reasons for the lack of Sikh athletes in American sports is the emphasis on education among Sikhs. “Most Sikh parents believe a deep involvement in sports will hamper their children’s chances of going to Ivy League schools” said Singh, who himself was no stranger to this academic pressure. Many parents, including Sikh parents, have adopted an “Ivy-or-bust” mindset that prioritizes getting into a prestigious university and pursuing a stable, lucrative career above all else. “I am grateful that my parents stressed balance,” Singh said. “Whenever I feel stressed by school work, I knew baseball was always there to take my mind off things.”
Indeed, Sikh visibility in baseball and other mainstream sports is so crucial, particularly when considering the importance of physical fitness within Sikh teachings. "One has to be powerful outside to remain powerful inside because a strong soul abides in a strong body”, said Guru Angad Dev ji. A great teacher, Guru Angad highlights the need for physical, mental, and spiritual strength in order for Sikhs to set and accomplish goals, and he therefore always recommended exercise following morning prayers.
Sports inspiration for Sikh youth
“It’s great for Sikh kids to look up to Major League Baseball stars Mike Trout or Bryce Harper”, Singh also said in reference to how the success of these players can inspire young people. Indeed, Trout is center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, while Harper plays defense for the Philadelphia Phillies. Both these players have had similarly successful careers that began in college, and have set a roadmap for other young players to follow. But Singh is also particularly aware of his unique status as a potential role model for Sikh youth interested in baseball, or, in fact, any sport. “I want them to be able to see themselves in someone at that level. So being the first observant Sikh playing on nationally televised baseball games, that would mean the world to me", he said.
The turban as a symbol of strength
In addition to his skill as a pitcher, Singh’s dedication to unwavering principles and overall perseverance in the face of bigotry can also inspire young Sikh athletes. Indeed, Singh has experienced discrimination and bullying due to his turban, but he persevered regardless. According to Singh, his turban has always been an “extension of him, [...] like a limb”, so it was a given that he’d wear it on the field."This is me," Singh told his coach Mike Gambino in their first meeting. "This is who I am. This is my religion. I want to pitch like this”. “Sikhs, we are warriors,” Singh further said. “It’s not a burden. That’s what goes along with being Sikh”. To that end, Singh has always considered his turban his “crown” — “a physical representation of a strength others might lack” as they haven’t experienced religious-based discrimination.
Indeed, Singh’s strength and determination can continue to inspire the next generation of Sikh athletes to work hard and achieve their dreams. Although Sigh hasn’t continued with baseball professionally, he still can’t be happier with the impact he’s had as the first Sikh to play in the major leagues. “I did that,” he said. “And I’m beyond proud of myself for that.”