Very proud of one of my students
A rare double post from me today, but this is worth calling out. Tonight I had a lesson with one of my hitting students, a high school junior named Emma. We had a great session – she ought to have an amazing season crushing the ball – and after I got home I texted her mom to let her know how well Emma was doing. That’s when I heard a story that trumped softball.
After her lesson, Emma stopped at Starbuck’s before heading home. While she was there an elderly woman pulled in and parked in the middle of the parking lot. She seemed confused, so Emma stopped to talk to her.
Emma quickly recognized the woman was having trouble, and contacted the police to get some help. Turns out the woman suffers from Alzheimer’s and didn’t know where she was – or how to get home. Emma stayed with her until the police came, talking with her and comforting her.
We hear a lot about what’s wrong with the younger generation. We sometimes focus too much on how well a kid can hit or pitch a yellow ball. Tonight shows the world is going to be alright as long as there are people like Emma in the world. She’s a winner no matter what she does on the field this season.
Posted on March 9, 2015, in General Thoughts and tagged caring, class act, fastpitch softball. Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.
Life in the Fastpitch Lane 
I enjoyed this post, I subscribe to your blog by email and always look forward to new posts!
I was wondering if you might have some input on my complicated situation lol. I really don’t know what to do. I’m a 16-year-old outfielder from Georgia and I play rec ball. I LOVE softball; I hope to play D2 college ball one day. I want to play travel but my parents don’t want the time or financial commitment. I got my game schedule for the spring season last weekend and I was really upset and disappointed; we only have 12 games (some of which I will miss due to different spring breaks) and we are probably not going to be able to practice inbetween. Also, the majority of our practices for the last month have been rained out/snowed out/iced out. I practice on my own at home every day–throwing, fielding, hitting, sprints, strength, agility, watching games and going through plays in my head–and I’m a pretty good player, at least compared to the rec girls with whom I play. But it’s just not enough. I feel like I really need coaching (we can’t afford private lessons or anything), and I really need to be able to practice often on the field with other girls, making plays. Do you have any suggestions or advice? I don’t even know if my rec league offers 16-18 ball (I’m still in 13-15 currently). I am just so discouraged and frustrated that my softball dreams might be derailed by these factors that I really can’t control.
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Hi Hailey,
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” You are in a tough spot but if you really love the game and want to play at a higher level there are ways to do it.
Cost is an obstacle but not an insurmountable one. Many teams/programs have scholarship programs for those who really want to play but can’t afford it. I would suggest checking around your area to see what teams exist and whether they have such a program.
You might also contact some coaches to see if they have a need. Sometimes players leave a program before the season starts (but after paying the fees) so they may just need a player and will waive the fees. Although you might have to pay for a uniform unless they’re willing to buy it for you.
The time factor might be a bit more challenging. Sorry to hear your parents won’t support your dreams. Do you have a driver’s license and access to a car? If so, you can get yourself to games/practices. If not, perhaps you can find another family on the team to help you get to/from practice and games. They may also let you bunk with them at away tournaments. You’d need to bring some money along for meals, though.
While it will be tough, the good news is this will be good practice for looking for a job later in life.
What it will take is a desire to do it and persistence. But it can be done if you really want it.
One other thing you might try is checking out http://www.discussfastpitch.com. Sometimes teams looking for a player will post in one of the regional forums. Take a look there to see if you can find any teams in your area looking for a player.
Good luck with your search, and let me know if you have more questions.
Ken
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Thank you, this was helpful! My parents fully support all of my dreams, they just want to have family time on the weekends, which I completely understand even while I really want to have family time at the ballpark haha. I will let you know if I have any more questions! I think one time you mentioned that finding a player at a local college willing to give free or cheap lessons would be a good route to go?
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Yes, family time is important. But so is pursuing your passion. A softball player’s career is incredibly short, so you only have a limited amount of time to play the game you love. Hopefully your parents will understand that and be willing to support your decision to try to find a team where you can get good coaching and play more games.
Yes, I did mention that finding a player at a local college who is looking to get into coaching would be an option. If you don’t know of any players, perhaps you can ask the head coach. He/she will likely know who might be willing to do it.
Good luck!
Ken
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Thanks:)
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