Things I've Learned about Softball

I played in my second official softball game last night. We're now 1-1, with a 20-19 win last night. I'm very proud of how I've played thusfar. I mean I'm not ready for the Jays or anything even close, but I feel like I'm holding my own. Last night I was 3/3 at bat and I was 3/4 last game. Last night I even picked up a couple ground balls and threw back into the infield with some pretty solid throws.

Here are some things I've learned:

1. There really is no "I" in team - softball is a team sport and there's always someone there to back you up, support you or coach you. I always know there's someone else there to help me out on a play or someone who is going to be on the recieving end of the ball.


2. Positive self talk goes a long way - especially when convincing yourself "the ball is my friend", "I will catch that ball", "I will hit", "I will run fast"


3. A solid single is a good thing - there's really no need to go nuts out there. Go ahead and move in for me when you see that I'm a girl and I don't hold the bat like a slugger. That doesn't mean that my single isn't going to be important to the team's progress. A solid single is a lot better than a pop fly that is caught by a skilled outfielder.


4. Sometimes softball is a contact sport - just suck it up and don't cry and explain nicely to your fiance later that you only snapped at him because the ball had just hit you between your shoulder blades while heading to third base


5. Run like hell - because you might have a crazy batter behind you and you need to get your butt to the next base because he's not allowed to lap you. A good sprint never hurt anyone.

Ashley, the softball player

I start softball on Monday and I'm pretty excited. I picked up a new glove (it's even partially PINK - how perfect) and Joey and I have been playing catch and practicing.

I haven't played a sport since the ninth grade, and even then it wasn't a very pleasant experience. I was never very athletic and I hated running. Along my WW journey I got rid of my limiting belief that I couldn't run and I've just gone from there!

I played one game with Joey's team already this year. They needed one girl in order to play and I had come that day to be a spectator. I managed 4 singles out of 5 at bats and even had an RBI. I also managed to "catch" a ball. Well, I stopped it. Using my chest. But the batter only got a single and it could have been a grand slam.

I'm really looking forward to being part of the team and I'll keep everyone posted on the team's progress.