3 Strikes, you're out!

"They call it a softball, but really it's a yellow threaded gift from God. Revealed to each young lady that dares to play the game. Somewhere between her heart and hard work, she will find the thread that will unwrap the talent that she didn't know she had, develop the character she will always need, and transform her teammates into everlasting friends." -Unknown

 I hate to admit it, but I have never really liked or enjoyed playing softball; there was even a point in time when I absolutely hated it. I would sit in class hoping the school day wouldn't be over because I was dreading going to practice. I wasn't playing because I had a passion or love for the sport, I was playing because I felt like I had to. I thought that if I stopped playing I would let so many people down, so I told my self that I had to just stick it out even if I was miserable. 

 I am extremely content with the fact that I never gave up on playing.

 It took me four long years of playing, but my senior year I was finally able to fall in love with the sport, to find a passion for it, and feel a fire inside of myself when playing. 

 Once I lace up my cleats I don't want to take them off. As I run onto the field I have the desire to constantly be out there giving it my all. There is a certain feeling that I get when I catch a fly ball or get a good hit, which is a feeling that is  hard to explain.  I am constantly waiting and wishing for a ball to come to me and eager for that next pitch, so I am able to feel the rush once more. 

 Although there is no better feeling than walking to the stands and getting that, "Good job, I'm proud of you." Hug from my mom, the "glory" is not the best thing about softball...the best thing about softball is my team. 

 Fifteen different wild, crazy, yet amazing girls, all coming together and creating a tremendous bond. Some of us may have known each other before, and some of may be complete strangers, however, in the matter of three months we all become sisters. 

 We're with each other more than our own families...actually we are a family. We fight like one, laugh like one, and love like one.

 The season has only begun yet I already have a friendship with every single one of my teammates. I may have disliked softball before, but the group of girls that I play with have helped me to appreciate and respect it.

 This year I am going to step on the field for the very last time and hang up my cleats, however, I am truly grateful I will be ending my softball career with a team as powerful and wonderful as mine.