Dear Coach,

Thank you.

I joined your team when I was in elementary school and I will admit, you scared the living crap out of me. You were intimidating, and I was always petrified to do something wrong to mess up a play. But honestly, that sense of fear is something I am so thankful to have had.

I was scared I would make the wrong throw, so I spent an excessive amount of time practicing my throws to first base from every position on the field. I went to every spot in the outfield and practiced my throws to second and third base. I didn't realize it at the time, but that made me a better player. I practiced so often in fear I would mess something up in a game, that it helped me perfect my throws.

I was scared of striking out, because I always remember your face when one of your girls struck out. I remember watching you get angry when we wouldn't swing on the third strike. I made my dad do batting practice with me and I made sure that even if I did strike out, I would swing.

Once we got to the games, I wasn't so scared anymore. I practiced a lot during the week with the team, and every night by myself. I'm not saying I was a better player than any of the other girls, because I wasn't, but I made my fear be a motivator to improve.

You taught me how to work hard for what I want and that the only way for me to achieve that is to be dedicated. You taught me how to respect other teammates and other teams.

Our team got really good. Out of nowhere we went undefeated our entire season and we just dominated every single team we played. I won't lie, we all started to get a little bit big headed, I mean we were just all playing so well together and we knew what we were doing. But you, Coach, well, you taught us all how to be humble. You taught us to line up at that home plate and give everyone a high five and tell those girls they played a good game.

I remember getting so frustrated after having a bad game and you always sat me down and talked to me about it. You offered to do extra batting practice with me, or to take me to some pitching lessons. You just always had offered to make me a better player, and I appreciate it more than you know.

When I went to a new team, you still showed up and supported me. I heard you yelling from the sidelines and it felt the same as you used to yell when you were my coach. I still think of you as my coach, and sometimes I still mentally call you my coach.

So I guess all I really want to say here, is thanks for making me into the player I am today. I never would have succeeded the way I did if I had a different coach. I hope that one day I can be as good of a coach as you were.

From,

Your Favorite First Baseman.