softball Poems/Prose

[Fastpitch Only]

SQUIDNEY!

As I tied my cleats for the first time, I was so excited I just about jump out of my shoes. I ran out on the field and waited for Karlee to play catch with. As I waited my Coach said, "Hi, what is your name?"

I said, "Sidney". When he could tell how excited I was to be starting the sport I had been watching since I was born he said, "Well Sidney, we are going to have a lot of fun this year."

Karlee stepped out of her car and put on her shoes. I had known Karlee from my preschool. I could tell that she was also very excited. As all of the other girls started to arrive the coaches daughter, Hannah had gave me a nickname that she had called me ever since - Squidney. When everyone arrived we finally all ran out on to the softball field, a dust cloud followed behind us as we ran around the bases to just stay warm. When we were done with practice I had felt like I had conquered the world. I got into the car and my dad told me, "You look pretty good Sid."

I just quickly replied with a quick "I know dad." I was so excited I could barely sit in my seat.

After practicing for more than two weeks we finally started games. When it was time for our first game I tried to get ready as fast as I could. I was so excited for the game to begin. When we started I ran out on the field with everyone. We go ready and the umpire said, "Play ball!" After the game I was so excited that I finally got to play the sport. It was like an instinct for me to play. I felt like one of the Central Michigan University softball players that I had been watching my whole life.

Before the next game we had another practice. I was starting to get bored with practices. I mean I was just so used to the speed of the game. Instead of just boring ole practice. But I did have to realize that it would just make me better in the end.

Our coach yelled, "Girls! Time to hit!" When I heard him say that I just about jumped out of my socks and shoes. I ran into the fenced in bench area where I would see all of our bags and water bottles. I quickly grabbed my bat and gloves; I mean, I just had to be the first one to hit. When I ran to the field, Hannah was first to bat, of course! So I waited "on deck" as we called it. Or, if you don't know what that term is, I waited to go next. As she swung at teh neon colored ball I saw her hit is so far I wished I could do that. I hit next, when I swung I could see the ball coming at me. I swung with my orange bat right at it. Oh, my gosh! I did it! I had hit the ball.

Now it was time for another game. I was determined to hit the ball this time. When the game started we were all excited; like usual. When the game was done we were all so happy we had played another game. This time there was no practice before the next game. So we pulled up to the place where the field was at.

"Dad, is this a school?" I had never really noticed it before, I had always just thought of it as a building.

My dad replied; "Yes, you will go there someday."

I responded; "Yeah, and I will be the best softball player out there!"

My dad laughed and told me; "well, if that's your goal, then go for it!" It was then that I realized, this was my sport, and I would play it until I couldn't play it anymore.

When my game was ove I jumped in the car with my mom and dad. The both told me; "Great job Sidney"

And I replied with a "Yeah, yeah. Thanks!" I was thinking about how I was so ready to just practice softball until I was the best one out on that field. So now to this day, I still play softball. I have for seven years, and many more years to come.

[Fastpitch Only]

I HAD A DREAM!

When I was young
I had a dream.
It was to be on
our national team.
As time grew old
I knew I never would,
so I took a different approach
and followed every game I could.
A dedicated and die hard
fan I became,
so at least I was close
and inside the game.
There was no way
that I could have followed that dream,
but by becoming a die hard fan
I feel that I'm part of their team.

[Fastpitch Only]

MY NATURAL HIGH

My natural high is softball. I love to play it, because it gets me excited. I have been told that I'm pretty good, but I think there is a long way to go. I still have to improve on my throwing and batting. It is basically my life; I play it during the whole summer, and try to get into camps during the year. What gets me excited is when I see the ball coming to me, and I know I have to get my game face on and play my part. When I hit the ball, and feel the force impact, and everyone cheering me on, I know I made a success.

It gives me the excitement of knowing that I have to do the littlest things right or everything can go wrong. Even though I seem to get hot in my uniform, since I am a catcher, it's not really hot because it actually cools you down. When I'm out of breath from running, I know that I have done a good job. Because if you are out of breath you know that you have worked hard. If you are breathing easily and steadily, you need to step your game up. I love it when I get someone out at home, or throw someone out at a base. It makes me happy to know that I have helped my team to make a victory, or win the game.

My natural high motivates me to stay away from drugs, because if I do drugs I won't be able to have the excitement of the game. Softball is also my life and without it I would be nothing, so if I had the drugs in my life, I probably wouldn't be anything anymore. I would just be that girl on drugs instead of that amazing athlete that I want to be. Drugs are not my passion. Softball is! If I did drugs I wouldn't be able to reach my goals or be what I want to be. Basically what I want in my life is softball, and not drugs. Teens should stay away from drugs and reach their long term or short term goals and be everything they want to be. Well at least that's what I think!

[Fastpitch Only]

PLAY BALL!

It was my turn at bat
And I hit the ball
So hard it sailed
Right over the wall.
The crowd went wild.
I started to run.
How happy I'd be
if my team won.
First base, second,
third - I'm home free!
Hurrah for my team!
Hurrah for me!

[Fastpitch Only]

DEAR MOM AND DAD:

I hope you won't get mad at me for writing this letter but you always told me to never keep anything back that ought to be brought out into the open.

So here goes. Remember the other night when my team was playing and both of you were there standing and watching? Well Mom and Dad, I hope you won't get mad at me but you embarassed me!

Remember when I dropped the ball while blocking the base and fell? Well Mom and Dad, I could hear you yelling at their player for getting in my way and tripping me. Shucks! It wasn't her fault, that is what she is suppose to do.

Then do you remember yelling at me to move over in the field? Well I didn't know where to go then cause the coach had told me to cover for a left-handed batter and I couldn't if I listened to you, so while I tried to decide what to do, the other team scored against us then you yelled at me for being in the wrong place.

But what really got me Mom and Dad, was what happened after the game. You should not have jumped on the coach for pulling me off the field. They are pretty good at coaching softball and real swell people and they know what they are doing. Besides, they are volunteers giving up their time to help us kids just cause they like softball.

And then, neither of you spoke to me the whole way home. I guess you were pretty sore at me for not getting a run. Honest Mom and Dad, I tried awfully hard but I guess I'm just a lousy ball player. But, I love to play a real good sport like softball.

But gosh Mom and Dad, how can I learn if you don't show me a good example and anyhow, I thought I was playing ball for fun, to have a good time, to make friends and to learn sportsmanship.

I didn't know you were going to be upset so much casue I couldn't become a softball super star!

Love

Your Daughter.

[Fastpitch Only]

A FRACTURED DREAM!

I was only 12 years of age, yet I had been playing club softball for almost two years. I had spent this entire time doing all I could to get better at the game I had a passion for.

I was a pitcher. Six days a week, two hours a day, I was on the field throwing pitch after pitch, increasing my speed and accuracy. Such hard work for two years had brought me to the top of the team and I was the ace pitcher. Every important game depending upon me, I was the teams rock. The weight was on my shoulders.

Pitching four games out of six in a weekend. I began to hurt. The end of every game would bring soreness and aches to my throwing elbow. With each game the pain increased, getting worse and worse. Doctor appointment after Doctor appointment, nothing was discovered. I was now in constant pain.

Finally news prevailed. A stress fracture. My dream had been crushed. I would warm the bench for nearly 9 months. I would miss the tournaments in Utah and Oklahoma. I would miss the sport I love. My hard work had gone down the toilet. Hard work for nothing. My dream had been fractured!

[Fastpitch Only]

MY NOSE!

I was absolutely pumped for my softball game. My father and I had just entered the Brighton Softball field. This was the varsity field so I felt sort of important. To warm up before the game I tied my cleats on extra tight and went on to the soft clay like dirt. I started pitching and I was on a role. Pitch after pitch I threw strikes. Only a couple more minutes were left before my teammates and the opponents would enter the field. My dad was telling me how I was about to dominate. As we were on an undedfeated team I felt ready. For some reason I remember perfectly that we only had played Brighton to a close game every time we faced each other. They had little gray pants and some of them even wore jean skirts for their religion. They had a speedy pitcher and I was excited.

At this point Taylor and her father arrived. Seconds later so did Coach. My dad is very knowledgeable about softball so Mr. Michels was asking my Dad questions as we still were pitching together. My dad was a little preoccupied at the moment. I released my pitch and the pitch made a nice pop in my father's catcher's mitt. Without thinking or looking at me my dad whipped the ball back and I wasn't exactly paying any attention because he was talking. About two centimeters from my face I could see the stiching vividly. I threw up my glove but it was too late. Every person could hear the crackle in my nose followed by an indescribable screetch. My eyes were still closed and I could feel the warmth of blood flooding through my nostrils but also on the bridge of my nose. When I opened them I only saw my dad's hand covering and letting go with a red puddle. We went into the restroom and tried to wash it out. That did nothing! When we came back into the dugout, Coach put a medium sized zip lock bag under my face and let the blood drip. The highlight was that after getting it checked , I was able to donate my blood.

All of a sudden it came to me that I still needed to play the game. I told my dad I was ready to play and he told me "Emily with a lob sided nose you aren't going to play." I had a little spaz attack and then I finally realized there was no way I could play with the bullets of sudden pains that would enter my nose. It felt like a sinus infection gone bad. It was stressful and quite annoying. My dad told me we were going home and all of the parents on the way out were asking me if I was okay. I was annoyed and I wasn't enjoying the unnecessary attention drawn to my nose and I.

My little brother was at a baseball game of his own. With the stress of my dad killing me he was hesitant to say anything to me at the time. To avoid any awkwardness I told my dad he could go to my brothers game and switch places with my dad. On the way home my mom called my older brother and told him about my nose. By about nine o'clock at night, my swelling had flourished and spread all over my face. You could only see my nostrils. Not any of my nose. The swelling was massive.

By midnight, the doctor had arrived. She had her portable I.V. machine and everything to clean my nose. Only until this point I could finally see there was a huge gash in my nose from the seams of the softball. My mother is really terrible with handling blood so she tried to linger around but it was difficult. Everything enthralled and was about me at the time. I got two stiches and I looked hideous. That' all I remember for the entire night.

Waking up the next morning I knew I had school and I was going to go no matter what because I had to have my perfect attendance as usual. Looking at my face before I left, I decided I COULD NOT go looking like that. I told my mommy to write me a note asking for permission to wear sunglasses all day. Getting to school eveyone asked me if I was okay and I said I was fine. I may have looked "allienish" but I did not really care anymore. If you do something, be cautious no matter what. You never know what lies ahead of you and concentrate only on what you are practicing or studying and so forth!

[Fastpitch Only]

www.teenink.com

AT HOME ON THE FIELD!

My shoes are full of gravel that's grinding into the soles of my feet and raising a blister on one toe. The bruise on my shin, painfully with each heartbeat, has turned a deep, almost black, shade of purple.

My knee's torn wide open and the Band-Aid won't stick. Blood is seeping through, leaving a rusty stain on teh crude athletic tape holding it in place for one more inning. It's more band than bandage though, restricting the blood flow to the rest of my leg, as the pins and needles stabbing my calf remind me with every step.

Each movement also reminds me of my last at bat, as the dull ache in my side becomes a severe shock of pain. I'm used to it though; after all these years I've learned that sometimes stitchmarks are the price of first base.

My arm's all shot to pieces, and my throw elbow is throbbing. Tossing the ball 50 feet feels like hurling a shot put. Not to mention my ring finger is broken at the knukle. Every throw is now a test of mental strength.

Fat beads of sweat drip off my forehead, stinging my eyes. My mouth is gritty with dirt. My head, however, has never been better, and my heart is bursting with pride. Even though I'm tired and hurting, even though I'm dripping sweat and exhausted with dirt, for this moment and all those that I spend on this field, I am completely in love with my life.

Outside these rusty chain-link fences I am insecure and reserved. I'm bored and anxious, easily distracted and frustrated, and nothing ever seems right. No matter how white my shoes are or how well my jeans fit, I am never as confident as I am in this uniform. I can fake it like a smile, but I can't do it for real.

No matter how many songs I have on my iPod, there will always be something missing. No matter how far we drive or how loud the music is, I'll always crave something more. Even after an unexpecting phone call from a childhood friend, there's still that empty feeling like a hole in my chest. Like a Brand New singer Jesse Lacey wrote; " I'm an old, abandoned church with broken pews and empty aisles."

Don't get me wrong, a new pair of white Nike is one of my favorite things. I love coming home to find a Hollister box on the steps, blowing a few hundred bucks at the Buckle, and getting that perfect pair of jeans for Christmas. I would be miserable without my iPod adn Brian Fallon's voice is the best thing I've ever heard. I love driving to Fort Peck for no particular reason, jamming out o Brand New the whole way.

I'm always waiting for a late night phone call or a chance to reminisce about the  good old days when we rolled our own fingers up in car windows. I wouldn't trade those nights for anything, but still, outside these rusty chain-link fences, even when I'm happy, I'm still not fully content. A part of me is still out on the field and the rest of me is longing to be there too.

I'd always rather be out in the rain, my cleats caked with mud, robbing batters of bases and pitchers of confidence. That's just what I do. Of all the things I've tried in my life, I've found that you can't beat the feeling of reading a ball right off the bat, diving on instinct at that precise moment, and coming up firing like it was all just reflex.

There's nothign like staring down the pitcher from that undefeated team - the one I know hasn't really been tested yet - and smiling as I dig my cleats into the dirt. Then, as she throws her rise ball, her bread and butter pitch, there's nothing better than watching it go right by into the catcher's mitt. After a few more balls adn foul tips, she's rolling her eyes in frustration between pitches. Standing there in the box, I watch her demeanor change from calm to panic and I love every second of it; it's a guilty pleasure.

She resorts to throwing way inside, high and tight, to back me off the plate. Nothing makes me feel more in control than digging in deeper, crowding the plate even more, getting a little chalk on my toes, and knowing I have her right where I want her. I'm in her head and no matter what she does, she can't beat me. I live for situations like that.

And finally, when she makes her mistake and throws the only good pitch she'll ever give me, and I put it over the left-field fence, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Everything is perfect, nothing is missing, and I can't help but flash a real smile as I take a victory lap around the bases, I'm playing softball and I am content.

What I experience on the field - mentally, emotionally, and even physically - is difficult to describe. Even when I'm frustrated beyond belief, near tears after a heartbreaking loss, or covered from head to toe in Icy Hot to numb the pain, I know in my heart there's nothing I'd rather be doing. There's nothing else that I'm supposed to be doing.

It's the brand new pair of Nikes, the jeans that fit perfectly, and a four pack of Rooster Booster all wrapped up in a Hollister box on my front steps. For me, there's no other word for it than contentment!

[Fastpitch Only]

THE UNWRITTEN RULES!

The unwritten rules are the things I expect out of my players. These are things that most coaches' assume players know. But, a few years ago, I found out that all my players didn't know them. So I made a list. That's why these are called the unwritten rules.

1 - Be 5 minutes early to practice

2 - Say "Hello" and be in a good mood.

3 - Always Hustle

4 - Lend a hand with practice setup.

5 - Always have your shirt tucked in when in uniform

6 - If you are not playing, cheer for those who are.

7 - If you're going to be late or miss practice, give 24 hour notice.

8 - Always tell the coaches the truth.

9 - If you disagree with something, talk to the coach(es) after practice

10 - Treat other players, coaches and umpires with respect as well as everyone else.

11 - If you cause problems with players....you will be removed from the roster.

12 - Treat all equipment as if it were your own

13 - 1B and CF will always take a ball on the field with them.

14 - Show good sportsmanship! Win or Lose

15 - Always be proud of our team and your contribution to it.

The most important unwritten rule is

ALWAYS PLAY AS A TEAM!

Teamwork doesn't just mean playing well during the game,

TEAMWORK is:

* Coaches helping, teaching and encouraging players

* Players supporting each other (If you are not playing, cheer!)

* Players supporting coaches (Practice hard, play harder, and always give your all!)

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More!

[Fastpitch Only]

SOFTBALL TRYOUTS!

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you wanted to scream? Well, my name is Katie and softball tryouts are coming soon and every girl wants to make the team. I really wanted to make the team because softball is my life.

My best friends name is Madie and she understands how much I like softball because she plays softball too. A lot of the girls hate when we practice all the time. They are mad that we don't have time to hang out with them. I keep telling them that softball is my life and that I will hang out with them later.

I have also been practicing all the time. And yes, I mean "all the time". I have been dragging my family outside to practice with me, but the one person who practices with me the most is my dad. He always comes out and practices with me, but sometimes I have to drag him out to the field. That's okay. I need the practice. Then sometimes he gets tired and goes inside but I keep practicing because I need as much practice as I can get. The best way to practice is when Madie comes over and we practice together. We keep practicing because we know that we want to make the team.

Finally, the softball tryouts caome. I was so excited! I threw my softball bag in the back of my dads truck and we were off. When we came to the field I was a little shocked at how many girls were there to tryout for the team. My dad told me to have fun and then I walked to the bench were everyone had put their softball bags. Some of the bags were much larger then others, but mine was one of the biggest. I looked around for Madie. When I saw her she came over and we were talking about how many people were there to tryout. We were both a little nervous but we couldn't help that. The coach got us all together and told us that we would be split up into groups and do tryouts that way so things weren't so confusing. We went through different hitting and throwing stations and all that stuff. The coach told us that he would post the team on the wall of the batting cage soon. Then he asked for all the pitchers and catchers to stay. There was me and a couple of other girls who looked like they knew what they were doing. When we were finished with that tryout I had Madies mom take us home.

When I woke up the next day, I ran down to the field which is pretty far away. I saw the list from a distance and ran over. I was the only one that was there. Guess what? I made the team! I was so happy that I could have screamed.

That was one of the most happiest days of my life. On the bottom of the list it said, "Don't be late for practice." It was the best day of they year!!!!

[Fastpitch Only]

THE PERFECT FAN!

It takes a lot to lead a team.
It's not the big things, but the little things
that can mean enough.
A lot of prayers to get me through.
And there is never a day that passes by
I don't think of you.
You were always there for me.
Pushing me and guiding me
always to succeed.

You showed me
when it was hard just how to throw.
You showed me
every play that I should know.
You showed me
just how to swing without your hands.
Cause Coach, you always were,
the perfect fan!

God has been so good.
Blessing me with a family
who did all they could.
And I've had many games of grace
and it flatters me when I see a smile on your face.
I wanna thank you for what you've done
in hopes I can give back to you
with every game I've won.

You showed me
when it was hard just to throw.
You showed me
every play that I should know.
You showed me
just how to swing without your hands.
Cause coach, you always were
the perfect fan!

You showed me how to dive.
You showed me how to slide.
And you showed me that you would always be there.
I wanna thank you for your time
and I'm proud to say you're mine.

You showed me
when it was hard just how to throw
You showed me
every play that I should know.
You showed me
just how to swing without your hands.
Cause, coach, you always were
the perfect fan!

Cause, coach, you always were....
Coach you always were....
Coach you always were....
You know you always were....
Cause, coach, you always were...
The perfect fan!

[Fastpitch Only]

ITS NOT FOR THE FAME!

Pain, fatigue, sweat in your eyes, and the sweet bliss of softball.
It's the name of the game, to endure these pains.
This so-called childs game has become your life, through the horrors and the strife.
Strike outs, stolen bases, caught pop-ups and ground outs.
The feeling you get when the game is in your hands and the feeling you get when you are helpless to do anything, except cheer on your teammates.
Your one true escape, through all those horrible dates and terrible tempts of fate.
Those personal feelings you deal with at night, those nagging thoughts when you turn off the lights.
They don't matter, no one cares because it's time to play your position, and take hold of the situation.
Softball, the word that makes you smile adn that takes you from one life to another for just a little while.
For love of THIS game!
It's nor for the fame.
And they're right, diamonds are a girls best friend!

[Fastpitch Only]

MY DEAR COACH!

I don't think you will
Ever fully understand
How you've touched my life
And made me who I am.

I don't think you could ever know
Just how truly special you are.
That even on the darkest nights
You are my brightest star.

I don't think you will ever comprehend
How you've made my dream come true.
Or how you've opened me up
To the love and wonder I can do.

You've allowed me to experience
Something very hard to find.
The love of softball that exists
In my body, soul and mind.

I don't think you could even feel
All the happiness I have today
And I'm sure you'll never realize
You've been my will to play.

You are an amazing coach
And without you I don't know where I'd be.
Having you in my life
Completes and fulfills every part of me.

[Fastpitch Only]

FOR MELISSA......

It started with Dad in our backyard.
You were only five, didn't throw very hard.
He practiced with you most every night.
And taught you how to throw just right.

Dad was your catcher, behind home plate.
Seems being a pitcher was your fate.
The doors of our shed show backstop bumps
And many a batter took her lumps.

You pitched your first game when you were ten.
A shutout! We knew you had the talent even then.
Now enrolled with a pitching coach, you worked hard all year.
Fastpitch became fun - Mom and Megan would cheer.

By twelve, people would ask and wonder
"What high school does she pitch for?"
This made us ponder......
Is pitching her ticket to a college career?
We knew she was good, it all became clear.

Pitching school, weight training, high school,
GSA, and ASA teams -
The college coaches noticed and recruiting
became part of the scheme.
Graduation is coming, college will soon be your fate.
And all this with Dad, behind the plate.

[Fastpitch Only]

THE GAME OF SOFTBALL

Do you love this game? You know what game I'm talking about? Softball, the game that gives you a chance to get away, gives you hope, a dream, and a way to establish character. Softball is where you learn about passion, determination, and self-discipline.

Softball is a game where you can come off the field exhausted and beat up, bruises and sweat all over your body, blood dripping from your cuts and still you want to redeem yourself the next game.

A game where you can leave it on the field. A game bigger than you will ever be. A game that shows you are capable of so much more. A game beyond your imagination, an escape, a way of life.

A game that gives back to you with life's little lessons:

* How you deal and come back from failure
* How to overcome obstacles
* How to achieve and pursue the "what" people say is impossible (you know there is no such thing.)
* To prove to those who said you can't
* To break through the stereotypes brought upon you.
* To live, to learn, and to look forward too

Softball is a game like a relationship. What you put into it is what you get out of it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Those kinds of people are telling you that because they can't do it themselves.

My advice: enjoy this game, laugh, have fun and excel. Don't settle. Play every game like it is your last. Believe me because when you can't play anymore, you wouldn't want any doubt in your mind that you should've done something better. Love this game!