Sunday, April 27, 2008

Softball from a mom's perspective

If you want a play-by-play of Saturday's softball game, see Daddy's post. Here Mom reigns and you're going to get a play-by-play from my point of view.

K had a softball game Saturday morning and we had to get there early. Like really early. Did I mention it was early? Like "set the alarm clock" early? So they could get in an hour-long warm-up before the game even started.

Have I mentioned how much I love the coach this year? In addition to the constant practice of fundamentals using all kinds of different techniques, he is constantly heaping encouragement on these girls. He is always finding something to praise. After seeing the coaches of the *other* team Saturday, I doubly appreciate it. The other team's coaches had one inning where they yelled and got all angry at their players and it wasn't pretty to watch. Thankfully, the coaches all seemed to get over it and I didn't have to watch the grumpy stuff again. Then one coach got smacked in the back by her daughter who was taking a practice swing and she handled it with an incredible amount of grace in spite of the fact that she got dinged pretty hard. You've got to respect that.

We were a fairly small group in the stands, which is good because the bleachers aren't that big. There are two sets right up behind home plate and parents from both teams were mixed together. I am happy to report that the parents from both teams were incredible :-) Sadly, this has not been the case at all our games. We all cheered for all the girls, celebrated every good hit and every good play, and we had such a good time.

Our girls had a great game and K had an exceptional game. She got up to bat 3 times - struck out her first and got a single and a double. She knocked in 3 runs and managed to just barely beat the ball to stay safe both times. I was worried when the first base coach sent her onto second for that last ball. K inherited my...not so fast running skills and there wasn't much time for her to get over to 2nd base. But she managed to make it and stick her landing, avoiding the girl with the ball who was chasing her. The game ended in a tie and K got a game ball for her RBIs, which sent her over the moon.

Now if only the fields recover this latest bout of rain so we can play tomorrow's game.

1 comment:

Lisa B @ simply His said...

This is awesome! I'm glad y'all had a good game. My husband is coaching our daughter's team this year and he does try to praise them a lot. We've dealt with and seen other coaches and parents who are way too competitive for 7-8 year-olds. It's not the most pleasant situation to be in or watch.

I found your blog today through some comments that you are going to be at She Speaks in June! Me too! Perhaps we can meet up. Off to play some more ball (me tonight, not my daughter!). But she does run like me -- which ain't very fast :D Bless her soul.