I am a bad softball mom.

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Apr 1, 2010
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DD's HS team is playing across town in a tournament today and I decided not to go. The season is young, but they have yet to win a game. In fact, they were playing to determine who would be the absolute last place team in the tournament and who would be the next to last place team in the tournament. =:-O

They graduated seven senior starters and lost their #1 and #2 pitchers. I was quite disappointed in the incoming freshman pitcher who decided not to play softball, but to go out for volleyball instead? This team really needed her--can't think her presence would make nearly as much difference to the v-ball team. Is it wrong of me to hope that she does not get her letter and will have to watch all the freshman softball players waltz by with their new jackets this winter? Eh, maybe it's just not as big a deal as it was back in my day.

Luckily another freshman pitcher turned up (who IS definitely going to letter, along with several other promising freshmen) and they have their #3 pitcher back for her last year, but it's going to be a long season for the team. It is, as they say, a rebuilding year. :p
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,410
113
Texas
I feel ya! Ya know, I have been thinking the same thing about a certain girl that I have coached for many seasons. She was an oustanding pitcher and most likely still is once she picks the ball back up. The lure of soccer has over taken her. She was that girl in 10U and 12U that dominated the circle. 1 2 3 strikes you're out with a knee buckling change up that you knew was coming but couldn't do anything about it. Once 14U came along the hitters got better and mentally couldn't accept it. She doesn't understand that there are 8 other girls on the field. She is an all sport player. Can letter in any sport that she wants to, but chose soccer out of the blue last year. I told her mom that her arm is worth more (scholarship) money than her legs. Soccer studs are a dime a dozen! Accomplished pitchers can find a college home way easier than any other position. Unfortunately, we are going to be one of the bottom dwellers in one of the toughest districts in all of Houston if not Texas. I can't wait for redistricting next year!

Anyway, she is a freshman this year and the softball team REALLY needs her as pitcher, otherwise it's gonna be an ugly 4 years for my DD. The starting pitcher will be the Super stud SS that pitched last year once the starter gave up her 3 HR and 10 runs in the first inning. The parents ask me what can we do. I say what everyone on this site says, It's HS softball. Cheer them on and pray for May! Well only the 6 true non pitching TB players on the team. Have I said that we really need this pitcher!!!!
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
They graduated seven senior starters and lost their #1 and #2 pitchers. I was quite disappointed in the incoming freshman pitcher who decided not to play softball, but to go out for volleyball instead? This team really needed her--can't think her presence would make nearly as much difference to the v-ball team. Is it wrong of me to hope that she does not get her letter and will have to watch all the freshman softball players waltz by with their new jackets this winter? Eh, maybe it's just not as big a deal as it was back in my day.

I have known several high level TB softball players who have elected not to play high school softball because the team was going to be horrible and to go from playing A-level TB to "Bad News Bears" REC ball was more than they were willing to endure....not to mention practicing 6 days a week, 3 hours a day.....
The-Bad-News-Bears.jpg
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
With really good athletes it's hard because they can chose their sport. Around here it seems to be lacrosse and crew since we play in the spring we still get all the volleyball girls :)
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
I had two different girls (who friends with each other) who were excellent up-and-coming pitchers and hitters. Partially because they were also excellent athletes. They were softball players but decided to get into volleyball to stay in shape and do something else. Around here, though, volleyball is HUGE and there are a few teams that compete and do well in whatever Nationals they have.

Long story short, by the time they got to HS they had to make a choice and both chose volleyball. And like in the OP's case both could've made a big difference on their HS teams. Especially one where a friend of mine coaches. Could've taken them from a team that could upset others on a good day to a conference contender. It's a shame, but it's their choice.

As far as scholarships go, from what I hear if that's your main interest golf is the way to go. Apparently plenty of money available and less competition. Also something you can do for the rest of your life. (Disclaimer: I am not a golfer nor do I plan to be. Just reporting what I've heard.)
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
As far as scholarships go, from what I hear if that's your main interest golf is the way to go. Apparently plenty of money available and less competition. Also something you can do for the rest of your life. (Disclaimer: I am not a golfer nor do I plan to be. Just reporting what I've heard.)

Colleges LOVE golf for Title IX compliance. The overall cost of the program is pennies compared to other sports. Almost every college golf teams uses a public course for practice and matches, so there is no real estate or field maintenance - local courses donate the use of the facility to the team. The golf coach probably coaches the men's and women's team at the same time. All they need is a van and some gas money and they are good to go - coach is probably also the van driver!
 
Oct 4, 2011
663
0
Colorado
DD's HS team is playing across town in a tournament today and I decided not to go. The season is young, but they have yet to win a game. In fact, they were playing to determine who would be the absolute last place team in the tournament and who would be the next to last place team in the tournament. =:-O

Hey Ms - you're not a bad mom, we've all been there in one way or another! DD's high school team has certainly had its rebuilding year(s). I've learned that it usually works out better than I thought in the end. Sure, maybe they don't win (ever), but the girls survive and they actually have a pretty good time with some unlikely heroes emerging.
 

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