One run, that’s all we need. I am on second base and I am the winning run. I look around at the opposing team and see the determination in their faces and hold. Do they want to win as bad as my team and I do? I need to really be smart on the bases, I think to myself. For any move I make will be followed, because if I make it across home plate before three outs are reached, my team wins.

My teammate steps into the batters box with the confidence and composure that she always maintains. The pitcher winds up and sauces a perfect pitch. I take my lead off the bag and watch as the opposing team charges toward my teammate as she lays down a beautiful bunt. I fly over to third as my coach is waving her arms rapidly urging me to be quick. I make a hard turn and find myself eagerly searching for the ball in the infield. The first baseman runs a little at me, but I am not going anywhere yet so I scurry back to the base. The team cheers for my teammate as she is greeted back into the dugout by praise and high-fives. Her job is done. She laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to put me in the best position to score. She gave up her spot for me, and my team.

Next batter steps up to the plate. My heart is pounding and I can feel the sweat between my forehead and the padding of the helmet. Any decision I make off this bag will be watched by the eyes of my opponent and followed by the ball. Every player on the field for the opposing team is going to do everything they can possibly do to stop me from crossing home plate. It’s do or die, and I can only feel pressure surrounding me.

I take a deep breath and settle myself on the base. The pitcher steps onto the rubber of the mound. She takes a second for herself, for I know she can feel the pressure too.

The pitcher does her wind up and throws.

My teammate makes contact with the ball and hits a hard ground ball to the first baseman. I am off the bag and take some steps down the third base line and watch as the first baseman bobbles the ball. She is all out of sorts, and I know in my mind this is my chance. I make a break for home! All eyes on me and I can feel the ball coming for me. My teammates yell for me to slide as I am coming home as fast as I can.

Seconds before the ball hits the catcher’s glove, I slide and before the umpire even has a chance to call me safe, my teammates erupt. They pick me up, hug me, and before I know it I am engulfed in laughter, cheers, and smiles. This is what victory feels like and I am reminded that this is why I love this game. You have to put the team before yourself; you can’t do it alone. You have to give it all you can to succeed.

If you don’t love the game why play? You have to have patience with yourself, others, and the game. You have to put the extra effort to thrive. You have to accept and overcome failure. The game can be tough, but if it was easy would I love to play it as much as I do?