Inside Pitch: Mia Galella’s Special Home Run Ball for a Special Fan

*** Article updated on 4/15/24 to reflect accuracy***

Dangerous power hitter Mia Galella has been a long-time blogger for Extra Inning Softball and was ranked in the Top 25 of the 2025 Extra Elite 100 when it was published last year (this class will be the next one updated).

She is impressively strong as noted in her ranking’s bio:

“Mia… unofficially broke the Pennsylvania female deadlift record as a 15-year-old with an amazing 415 pound lift.”

Already getting interest from multiple Power 5 schools, the incoming junior’s heart is as big as her swing is powerful – as noted in this recent experience Mia shares with us (and if this doesn’t make you smile, then you need to have your pulse checked!)…

*****

The game of softball truly is the best sport in the universe. It brings so many people together from all walks of life.

During the last game of my high school regular season a couple weeks ago for Holy Cross (Dunmore, Pa.) High, something special happened.

We were playing the Lakeland Chiefs from Jermyn, Pennsylvania and, with a win, it would lock up the No. 2 seed for us in the PIAA District 2 playoffs.

I had a double and a single in my first two at-bats in a very close game. In the bottom of the 6th inning, I was the fourth player due up. Since we were up a few runs I knew I’d most likely not get an at-bat if we shut them down in the top of the 7th.

I looked up to the crowd before the inning started and saw Grayson Decker who is a an amazing person all around. Grayson will be attending my high school next year and he comes to all my games.

All I thought of was being given one more opportunity to get an at-bat. I had something in mind, and I prayed to God to get that opportunity.

My teammates did their job and here came my opportunity…. Here’s what happened:

I hit the furthest ball I had ever hit in my life—I think it was over two lines of cars parked beyond the left centerfield fence!

This ball was very special because it was our very last home game and I knew I wouldn’t see Grayson until next school year. I signed my home run ball along with a special message and gave it to Grayson.

The joy in his eyes when I gave the ball to him, plus his excitement at being able to get in our team photo, just showed me how special things can happen because of this awesome game!

I believe in my heart that God allowed this this special moment to happen for a very special person: Grayson Decker.

— Mia Galella