I’ve been doing this for a long time by the calendar (some say the sun dial) but it seems like yesterday when Shelby started playing fastpitch with a county Rec ball team. I know how much I looked forward to playing softball as a kid and young adult, and the same level of enthusiasm was obvious when my daughter got up on Saturday mornings. You would think after all these years it would become old or a nuisance.
For me, it still is exciting to put on my coaches shirt and drive many hours for a game. Although I admit to taking an occasional nap between games of a long weekend, my normal routine has me watching games when I’m not working with the girls that just need a little help before we play again. I’m still addicted to eating a hot dog at the park everyday, even when it’s noticeable by my belt line. Most of the time I’m one of the last to leave even if we’ve been eliminated.
I like watching a good game. I like watching the girls execute a play. I like seeing a big hit when the team needs it. I like seeing a base runner go another bag because she was paying attention. I like watching a pitcher come from behind in the count and get the batters out to save an inning for her team. I like watching good coaches doing their job and working the girls for 7 innings.
More importantly, I like seeing the love and understanding in the faces of the family as they hold her after a game----win or lose.
This is just a short list of the many things that make me smile and the core reasons I’ve stayed to be a part of the game after all these years. I see the young ladies display character, ethical behavior, composer, loyalty, develop pride, and establish a deep sense of commitment that carries into their adult life. Maybe it’s not me-------maybe it’s not from other coaches, but I feel the memories and life lessons learned from the experience is helping hone the young ladies to be productive citizens in society.
If I can help even one---------I’ll continue to volunteer.