My long time friend Cannonball sent me a PM yesterday asking if Alex would be returning to the college arena next season, I've been struggling with the words to post a thread publicly. DFP is a lot cheaper than therapy, so here is the PM reply.
Yes, Alex is done with softball. These are basically Alex's words/thoughts............
The team experience was a emotional roller coaster all year, they had 2 "clicks", and each click didn't like the other.
The conditioning is pretty demanding on your time and body, and then a record of 14-44 makes you think it's not worth it.
Coaches were less than desirable, more socializing than actual coaching.
Her knee was messed up all season, hurt it during the winter conditioning. At first the coach only used her as DH, he would give her a runner when she reached. Then due to other players getting injured, Alex had to play right field full time the last 25 games. After a double header, she'd be in so much pain her hurt leg would literally be shaking.
She did try to pitch one inning towards the end of the season, had to pull herself out due to the knee.
The returning girls re-signed last week, that morning at breakfast I could tell she was sad about it, by dinner she seemed to be over it. She will finish her degree there next year, and then transfer to UT Medical for the final stretch.
Watching the last game was really hard on me. So many "last" things involved in those final 7 innings, last time she would take the field, last at bats, last catches, last base runnings, last time I'd see her glance at me while walking to the batter's box, last time she'd do the post-game lineup, last time I'd watch her put her equipment in her bag. Last time we'd walk away from the fields together with her in uniform.
And yes I'll admit that once she got on the bus and they drove away, I sat in my truck ( alone ), and cried for 10 mins.
Everyone hangs the glove up, we never know when that time will be. Alex and this sport gave me some of the best years of my life, I cherish every memory I have more than any amount of wealth.
Thank you Alex, dad loves you.
First year playing, 5 yo
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Middle school
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High school
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College
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Yes, Alex is done with softball. These are basically Alex's words/thoughts............
The team experience was a emotional roller coaster all year, they had 2 "clicks", and each click didn't like the other.
The conditioning is pretty demanding on your time and body, and then a record of 14-44 makes you think it's not worth it.
Coaches were less than desirable, more socializing than actual coaching.
Her knee was messed up all season, hurt it during the winter conditioning. At first the coach only used her as DH, he would give her a runner when she reached. Then due to other players getting injured, Alex had to play right field full time the last 25 games. After a double header, she'd be in so much pain her hurt leg would literally be shaking.
She did try to pitch one inning towards the end of the season, had to pull herself out due to the knee.
The returning girls re-signed last week, that morning at breakfast I could tell she was sad about it, by dinner she seemed to be over it. She will finish her degree there next year, and then transfer to UT Medical for the final stretch.
Watching the last game was really hard on me. So many "last" things involved in those final 7 innings, last time she would take the field, last at bats, last catches, last base runnings, last time I'd see her glance at me while walking to the batter's box, last time she'd do the post-game lineup, last time I'd watch her put her equipment in her bag. Last time we'd walk away from the fields together with her in uniform.
And yes I'll admit that once she got on the bus and they drove away, I sat in my truck ( alone ), and cried for 10 mins.
Everyone hangs the glove up, we never know when that time will be. Alex and this sport gave me some of the best years of my life, I cherish every memory I have more than any amount of wealth.
Thank you Alex, dad loves you.
First year playing, 5 yo
Middle school
High school
College