I began playing ball when I was four years old, starting with baseball and moving on to softball. I've been on all-star teams, been captain on varsity and have never played a year where my team has not been a finalist or winner of a championship. After 14 years, I may have played in my last games ever. Here's a few things that I'll certainly miss.
1. The crisp way the team name sounds before a game.
You’re in a huddle, one of the captains is giving a pep talk and you’ve all agreed to kick major butt today. You put your hands in, count to three and call out the name of your team. The synchronized sound bounces off the dugout roof and in that moment, you realized you all should have joined a choir instead.
2. “Don’t cross the bats!"
Let’s face it: every player has some level of OCD and is one 100% suspicious that bad luck exists, even if it’s only on the field. Whether you’re yelling at people not to step on the chalk line before a game or won’t step in the pitcher’s circle if you don’t belong there, you know the softball gods are paying close attention.
3. When you catch a line drive from a girl who thought she could hit.
We have those rival teams in the league and they each have a player or two who play nasty and think they’re the bomb. Little do they know that you think you’re the bomb too, and you’re out to prove it.
4. Being able to pop up slide.
When my back starts hurting and I’m on the fourth game in a tournament, it’s a miracle I can stand up at all after getting a face full of dirt and probably a scrape or two. Some days, however, I've got my life together.
5. High-fiving the other team's player who tried to skip you.
And we’re back to those rival girls! They hate you, whether they have reason to or not, and they’re determined to be a bad sport. But you don’t roll like that… or maybe you know that smiling at them or excitedly stating “good game” will make them even more irritated.
6. Stealing because it's the only time it's legal.
You’ve got to play hard if you’re going to try to win, right? So it’s only natural that you’re going to steal a base here and there when you get the chance, and then curse yourself if you manage to get out.
7. Catching a ball you really couldn't see because of the sun.
This right here is an absolute supernatural phenomenon sometimes, as if some angel in the outfield (oh, 90's baseball movies) guided the ball right into your glove.
8. Getting the "game ball."
Really, it’s like receiving an Oscar for best hit of the day. I should have prepared a speech.
9. Being the one to make all three outs in one inning.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being a team player. But on occasion, it’s nice to let everyone know you do more than eat sunflower seeds.
10. The coaches that care and the girls who have always been there.
Granted, I have had numerous coaches over the years and have grown up with some of the same girls since Little League but I could never ask for more supportive, loving people than the ones I have had the honor of playing with in my athletic career. I could never thank them enough.
Softball has been a huge part of my life. I will definitely treasure these moments forever!
