PLAY BALL!

This past Tuesday night was Shelby's first softball game.

:::Pause for mom pride.:::

I played softball my whole life. So when Belle became the age allowed to play, all my friends asked...or rather assumed...Shelby would play.

I asked her if she wanted to and the answer was, "I don't want to get sweaty".

Who are you?! You have my DNA!

So, I never pressed her to play. Never even tried to convince her to give it a try. A couple months ago, she was once again invited join a team and this time, actually to my surprise, she gave an enthusiastic, "YES!" as her answer. Then I was asked to help coach and I gave my enthusiastic, "YES!" answer.

I have to say, even though she didn't get a hit this game (it's machine pitch and she's a little nervous at that ball speeding toward her general direction...all the other girls have played before so they've had their learning-curve!) she did do good. She never got upset about not getting a hit. She laughed she only got foul balls and looked forward to batting again. Her attitude was the thing that made me the most proud. Every defensive play she was in "ready position" and looked like a 'real' softball player.

I found myself looking in a rear view mirror or sorts as I watched her. I heard my mom yelling at me from the stands. And more often than not, I didn't hear her. "Did you hear me yelling for you?" she'd ask and every time I'd say, "Mom! No I didn't. I was concentrating!" and she'd just smile. "Good. You better be paying attention to the game!" she'd answer and just smile. She was at every single one of my games. Of course Dad was also, but for a long time he was also one of the coaches!

I am literally filled with pride watching her. I know it's just a sport to most, but it was a huge, huge part of my life for 20 years. It taught me determination, sharing, strategy, winning with gratitude, losing with grace and how to work together on a team who was aiming for the same goal. It has always been a great love in my life. While this may be both her first and last year (hey, you never know with her!), I'm glad she's had the opportunity and so far seems to really enjoy it.

Here's to my little soon-to-be-slugger. Seriously people...once she DOES get ahold of that ball, lookout! I'm so proud of you, my Shelby. I hope you have fun and learn a few things along the way also.

Shelby's first softball game.

This coach loves this girl!