Jennie Finch Empowerment Award goes to infielder Hunter Salausa-Galletes

You almost couldn’t hear Hunter Salausa-Galletes’ name over the cheers of her peers when she was announced as the Jennie Finch Classic Empowerment Award recipient, capping off an exciting 2024 RBI World Series.

Hosted at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., the RBI World Series was the summer's fourth and final major softball event. There, dozens of elite high school softball players competed to secure their place in RBI history.

In the end, the Houston Astros Nike RBI squad took the ultimate prize, but not before battling seven other tough teams, including Nobu Yamauchi RBI and their JFEA winner -- Salausa-Galletes.

The award is presented to the player of the tournament or event who best exemplifies the pillars of leadership, motivation, commitment, dedication, humility and integrity.

Salausa-Galletes' dedication, humility and quiet leadership were unmistakable trademarks of her character on and off the field.

Speaking with Finch -- MLB Youth Softball Ambassador, USA Softball Hall of Famer and two-time U.S. Olympic softball medalist -- Salausa-Galletes attributed much of her attitude and outlook to her upbringing.

“My role models growing up were definitely my parents,” Salausa-Galletes said. “They sacrificed a lot … for me to be able to come to these trips alone and be able to show the kind of game that I can play.”

That game was on full display at the Nike RBI World Series, as the infielder from the class of 2025 helped lead the squad to a second-round berth during the series elimination rounds.

“She's so low-key in the way she does things. She doesn't brag; she's very humble,” said Nobu Yamauchi coach Blake Lau. “She doesn't get mad or scream or yell, she just takes it in stride but she leaves everything on the field.”

Since 2019, MLB, in partnership with Arm & Hammer, has presented the JFEA annually to four softball players at MLB Develops events, recognizing their achievements as players on the field and as people off the field.

Finch presented the award to Salausa-Galletes in front of a smiling crowd of her fellow World Series players at JRTC. She received a $10,000 college scholarship check and a trip to the 2024 MLB World Series, both rewards that are sure to deliver unforgettable memories.

In regards to the scholarship, Salausa-Galletes said, “It’s a really big help not only for me but also for my parents … giving back to them just a little bit and being able to help me compete at the next level.”

Ultimately, competing at a high level is all that players like Salausa-Galletes wish to do, but the stress of the game can lead many developing players to form negative habits or attitudes. She, however, knows that actions on the field speak louder than words off of it, constantly pushing her and those around her forward.

“I think sometimes words can be taken the wrong way, so instead, I would rather just show what I can do and try and demonstrate to others how we should lead,” she said.

Her peers and teammates feel the same way and look to her for inspiration and encouragement when the going gets tough.

“She really just leads by example and people follow her,” said one Nobu Yamauchi teammate, Peyton Willing.

Another teammate, Landri Nakano, said “You just know she's the leader. Everyone follows her even if she's trying not to be.”

The Jennie Finch Empowerment Award is presented at all MLB Develops softball events throughout the year: the Breakthrough Series, the Jennie Finch Classic, the Elite Development Invitational and the RBI World Series.

Salausa-Galletes knows there are certain steps everyone can take to help others and make them happy, which can positively impact attitudes.

“Giving back … brings the same amount of happiness to others when you’re able to accomplish something, and being able to help others as well,” she said.