Well old DD always amazes me with her kindness and big heart. ( without a doubt she gets that from her dad 
)
DD came into the HS program as a freshman and quickly had to take the role of varsity pitcher. ( they had 2 seniors but not what we on this forum would call quality pitchers ) I'm sure the transition was difficult as she is calendar young, 14 for the whole freshman year, and facing girls up to 18. She was going head to head with junior and senior pitchers from teams in our district and schedule who had signed or committed from D1 to D2 and NAIA.
She took on her responsibility in the circle from the very first inning the coach called her in that cold night and never looked back. ( I'll admit I was nervous thinking "oh crap.......here we go" ) To add even more anxiety to old dad, it was the first year that NFHS moved to 43'. I think I went through a 5lb bag of sunflower seeds that night.
As time and games went on she looked more and more comfortable dealing with the pressure from the upper classmen, the fans, and the new distance. But she and one other freshman were the only ones on varsity, and most of the upper classmen didn't like it. ( especially the ones on the bench ) I tried to stay out of it, but I knew it bothered DD. She was there to do her thing and play ball, she could care less about the drama.
I was proud of her and how she handled that year and those situations.
Playing it forward.
Now DD is a senior, and I got a call last night from the coach. ( coach had asked me if id heard about DD and the new girl ) He wanted me to know that DD has taken the new freshman pitcher under her wing. She works with her everyday during pitching practice and they discuss pitching stratigies during the softball class at school. During class said they sit in the corner with a softball each in their hand going over grips and body mechanics, then they will jump up and grab a bat and "stance" to further evaluate a plan of execution.
DD had told me the freshman had some skills a few weeks ago, but that was about it. I had no idea she was taking an interest and working with the young lady, and that's how my DD is...........she doesn't do it for the glory or personal benefits.........she does things because it's the right thing to do.
I didn't tell DD that coach called, but I did look at her very proudly this morning. She wasn't doing this for my approval. She doesn't shout "everybody look at me and what I'm doing".
She could be stuck up and nasty to this next freshman pitcher in line, the same way she was treated 4 years ago. But she chose a different path of teaching and mentoring in the hope this new girl can continue the success for the future years that lie ahead.
I'm not going to say anything to DD about me knowing, and I'm sorry for the thread, but I had to tell someone I'm proud of my little left handed goober.
)DD came into the HS program as a freshman and quickly had to take the role of varsity pitcher. ( they had 2 seniors but not what we on this forum would call quality pitchers ) I'm sure the transition was difficult as she is calendar young, 14 for the whole freshman year, and facing girls up to 18. She was going head to head with junior and senior pitchers from teams in our district and schedule who had signed or committed from D1 to D2 and NAIA.
She took on her responsibility in the circle from the very first inning the coach called her in that cold night and never looked back. ( I'll admit I was nervous thinking "oh crap.......here we go" ) To add even more anxiety to old dad, it was the first year that NFHS moved to 43'. I think I went through a 5lb bag of sunflower seeds that night.
As time and games went on she looked more and more comfortable dealing with the pressure from the upper classmen, the fans, and the new distance. But she and one other freshman were the only ones on varsity, and most of the upper classmen didn't like it. ( especially the ones on the bench ) I tried to stay out of it, but I knew it bothered DD. She was there to do her thing and play ball, she could care less about the drama.
I was proud of her and how she handled that year and those situations.
Playing it forward.
Now DD is a senior, and I got a call last night from the coach. ( coach had asked me if id heard about DD and the new girl ) He wanted me to know that DD has taken the new freshman pitcher under her wing. She works with her everyday during pitching practice and they discuss pitching stratigies during the softball class at school. During class said they sit in the corner with a softball each in their hand going over grips and body mechanics, then they will jump up and grab a bat and "stance" to further evaluate a plan of execution.
DD had told me the freshman had some skills a few weeks ago, but that was about it. I had no idea she was taking an interest and working with the young lady, and that's how my DD is...........she doesn't do it for the glory or personal benefits.........she does things because it's the right thing to do.
I didn't tell DD that coach called, but I did look at her very proudly this morning. She wasn't doing this for my approval. She doesn't shout "everybody look at me and what I'm doing".
She could be stuck up and nasty to this next freshman pitcher in line, the same way she was treated 4 years ago. But she chose a different path of teaching and mentoring in the hope this new girl can continue the success for the future years that lie ahead.
I'm not going to say anything to DD about me knowing, and I'm sorry for the thread, but I had to tell someone I'm proud of my little left handed goober.
Last edited:
