How times change...

DD and her best friend decided they wanted to practice last night, and they asked me to come along to throw BP. They played travel ball together for several years and developed a very close relationship. DD is a Florida fan, and her friend is an Auburn fan, so they would typically wear those shirts just to bust on each other a bit. Now DD is pitching in college, while her friend is the catcher for their #1 rival. So naturally, they both show up head to toe in their college swag. Gotta love it... It was also a great deal of fun for me since I had the opportunity to watch both of them grow up and become great athletes and wonderful young women. It truly has been a fun ride, with maybe just a few bumps here and there.

That's an awesome share - thank you, FP26.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing the story.

Great post!

That gives hope to those of us that are still explaning why you have to tag the runner sometimes and not others

Throughout the journey it is very easy to get caught up in the challenges of "today". Every setback seems dramatic. But looking back on things I wonder what I was worried about. By the time our players were 15 or 16 we knew exactly which ones could play at the next level. And with the exception of a couple that lost the passion all the rest are doing exactly that.

Enjoy the time while you have it. It's worth every minute.

Great, great story FP26.

My youngest, soon to be a senior in college, was our best athlete. A little thing, about 5ft6in a buck-ten tops but a great third basemen and played OUTSIDE on her club volleyball team -- spiker's spot for those not in the know Played both sports at the highest level, we took her 18U team to Huntington for PGF Nationals, etc. But wanted to go to a big school so no interest in playing in college.

Home this summer, she's asked me a few times to go to the fields to play catch a bit and take grounders (!), she's still got it and now is significantly stronger than she was, I think she'd be a beast today ... but while it's not central to her life now she still loves and misses it and the old days and old friends are still something we talk about all the time

Love these kinds of posts. Of course, it's much nicer to be able to put the craziness of travel ball into perspective when you're a few years removed from it (MUCH nicer ).

TMD said:

Love these kinds of posts. Of course, it's much nicer to be able to put the craziness of travel ball into perspective when you're a few years removed from it (MUCH nicer ).

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No doubt. I have been reading all the horror stories regarding tryouts and other team drama. Just seems to be getting crazier and crazier. But in the long run, I hope all of you are as fortunate as I have been.

John 800 said:

That gives hope to those of us that are still explaning why you have to tag the runner sometimes and not others

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That's funny! But soooo true!