Me_and_my_big_mouth
witty softball quote
(Update, because I posted about DD being faced with a choice a couple months ago.)
DD is a freshman on varsity, playing 2nd for the first time. Has done a wonderful job there, made some great plays and been learning a lot. Every game ends with her saying, "Man I love this game! This team is fun!" The coaches are aware that she can pitch, but she hasn't ever done so for them. She's not considered a "pitcher" on this team.
So last night, we were already up 12-0, and it was the last inning. We were shocked to see her warming up, but probably not as shocked as she was. It was a last minute, "Aw, what the heck" decision from coach.
She walked her first batter. Understandable, as she was visibly terrified. Coach walked out to the circle, said, "Hey kid, if you throw up out here, who's gonna clean that up? Settle down and do what you know." So she did.
The rest of the team was awesome to her - and she went to work. A strikeout, a pop up, a dribbler to SS. Unfortunately, the Walk scored on a steal and an error to SS. Ending score 12-1.
She got in the car, cheeks flaming. "I don't think I want to pitch anymore. That felt terrible. It just isn't fun anymore." We gave our standard after game response: "We're proud of you. Let's go get FroYo."
I thought it would pass, but it hasn't. I feel the "I'm done" hanging in the air.
We're not going to push her either way, because she is making a decision based on the best factor I can think of: Are you passionate about it? Her answer now is, No. We'll see if it changes - but this kid fights for what she wants, and there was no fight there at all.
So I'm sad, but also proud that she realizes that she really wants to learn and grow at other positions. Bucket Dad isn't taking it real well, but it isn't about him - and he knows this.
DD is a freshman on varsity, playing 2nd for the first time. Has done a wonderful job there, made some great plays and been learning a lot. Every game ends with her saying, "Man I love this game! This team is fun!" The coaches are aware that she can pitch, but she hasn't ever done so for them. She's not considered a "pitcher" on this team.
So last night, we were already up 12-0, and it was the last inning. We were shocked to see her warming up, but probably not as shocked as she was. It was a last minute, "Aw, what the heck" decision from coach.
She walked her first batter. Understandable, as she was visibly terrified. Coach walked out to the circle, said, "Hey kid, if you throw up out here, who's gonna clean that up? Settle down and do what you know." So she did.
The rest of the team was awesome to her - and she went to work. A strikeout, a pop up, a dribbler to SS. Unfortunately, the Walk scored on a steal and an error to SS. Ending score 12-1.
She got in the car, cheeks flaming. "I don't think I want to pitch anymore. That felt terrible. It just isn't fun anymore." We gave our standard after game response: "We're proud of you. Let's go get FroYo."
I thought it would pass, but it hasn't. I feel the "I'm done" hanging in the air.
We're not going to push her either way, because she is making a decision based on the best factor I can think of: Are you passionate about it? Her answer now is, No. We'll see if it changes - but this kid fights for what she wants, and there was no fight there at all.
So I'm sad, but also proud that she realizes that she really wants to learn and grow at other positions. Bucket Dad isn't taking it real well, but it isn't about him - and he knows this.