My Tribute to all of you - Dads, Moms and Coaches alike. Thank you...

[J-Amann]

My daughter is 8.I read these boards every day and I see a rich history of DDs who have grown and are suddenly in 18u.
I hear the pride in the parents and coaches' words for their kids, their team, but also the girls from other teams they have met over the years. I sense the fabric of community, of camaraderie, of teamwork and friendship built over many years. I still hear the thrill in everything all of you write. I am amazed at how coaches selflessly give time beyond measure to develop softball players and young ladies.
Most of all I read in those words how good parents have become fantastic parents because of involvement in this amazing game.
I'm not blind to the responsibility that being a Softball Parent brings. But I'm new at this by and large. And I have tons to learn. I've never been to a National, a Metro or even The Spano Dome. Most fields to me are new places and not the "old friends" that they must seem to many of you.
Someday I'll only be able to look back and not forward, but for now I hold a hope that I can be worthy of carrying the torch so many of you have carried for many years.


Bat Dad

 

[Dad of Daughters]

My daughter is 8.I read these boards every day and I see a rich history of DDs who have grown and are suddenly in 18u.
I hear the pride in the parents and coaches' words for their kids, their team, but also the girls from other teams they have met over the years. I sense the fabric of community, of camaraderie, of teamwork and friendship built over many years. I still hear the thrill in everything all of you write. I am amazed at how coaches selflessly give time beyond measure to develop softball players and young ladies.
Most of all I read in those words how good parents have become fantastic parents because of involvement in this amazing game.
I'm not blind to the responsibility that being a Softball Parent brings. But I'm new at this by and large. And I have tons to learn. I've never been to a National, a Metro or even The Spano Dome. Most fields to me are new places and not the "old friends" that they must seem to many of you.
Someday I'll only be able to look back and not forward, but for now I hold a hope that I can be worthy of carrying the torch so many of you have carried for many years.


Bat Dad

One of the better first posts I've read in a while, well done.

 

[TheSoftballZone]

Agree great 1st post. Thanks for becoming a member.

 

[CARDS]

Great Post Bat Dad!

If you stay balanced like you have in your post with what the game can give you and what you can give to the game you and your DDs journey will be an enjoyable one. Do not blink it goes by quick.

 

[coachjwb]

Welcome, and agree, great first post!!

There is occasionally some craziness on here and some disrespectful posts, but by and large this community is passionate about the game and helping newbies any way we can. Don't hesitate to ask for help or advice whether it be via threads or private messages.

Glad to have you on board!!

 

[Westler33]

It sure will be a lot of fun for you and your DD. I have had some of my most memorable moments with my family at the park and hope you do as well!

 

[Bat Dad]

Thank you for all the kind words.
It looks like I caused some confusion where I inadvertently logged in and made my posting under apparently my original but I suspected defunct username. (Ie. People presumed it was my first post. It may have been my first WORTHWHILE post but certainly not my first! Lol)

My DD Who I thought may "destined for softball mediocrity" as I entitled an earlier post, has earned her way, much to my delight, on to a select team, if that's the proper term. She worked hard to get there - she showed grit and a lot of determination - and I am very proud of her. I know compared to last year this will be a whole new experience - for both of us. And I, as her father, walk into it with a few nerves, a lot of pride in her and her team, and a sense of humility and thankfulness to be where we are at.
As well as being thankful to be a part of the softball community as a whole. I promise to represent it well.

Bat Dad

 

[All-4-thegirls]

Bat Dad...as the mom of a now 21 year old playing her third season of college ball, enjoy the ride. It goes way too fast...

 

[spartansd]

Bat-Dad I think you are missing a HUGE part.

You do not sound crazy......I mean honestly, I can only say that many started out full crazy and then became a calm sage. OK so maybe that is me.....LOL

At that age I was the idiot yelling at umpires. Now I have 14U, 16U, and 16U players. One is committed to play college already and the other 16U will likely get it worked out in the next 15 months. I often miss at bats, errors, great plays......because I am talking with old friends.

Do your best to enjoy her. Soon she will be done and you will be hoping for some granddaughters.....OK again that is me again. But seriously, keep it fun for you and her. This is not life or death. And if she wants to play in college it will happen.

One serious word of advice. If college is her goal then make school a priority. Both my DDs that have college in the future have great grades (4.0 and 4.2) and that more than anything is why college softball is in their futures. Good grades make it easy. There is not very much athletic money so they need players that get academic money to make it work.