| The Softball girl peeks out her bedroom window It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day Front doors open up, and ghgcome out Each laughing and jumping ready to play. But the softball girl closes her window and turns to check her gear Jersey, hat, sliders, socks and shorts. Yep everything is there. As she comes down the stairs, mom is packing snacks. he dad is packing up the car. Today's game is a doubleheader and the field is pretty far. As they drive down the street she waves to her friends She isn't sad or envious Because soon the game will begin. As they pull up to the field She spots the girls from her team The kids back home are good friends But her teammates are her second family. They stretch out and run their laps. And now they focus thier minds for months they've practiced all the drills. Now it's time for them to shine They line up thier helmits and stack their bats From the bench they study the other team. The girls aren't thinking evil hateful thoughts. Instead it is respect and anticipation of the game As each girl digs into the batter's box To try to hit the pitcher's best They give it everything they have The situations in the game challenge them, but they pass every test. The shortstop dives and snares adrive and throws the runner out from her knees. Everyone cheers and claps their hands. A forgotten fact the shortstop just turned 10 last week. The game is done and the teams lineup To shake each others hand Heart felt praise is exchanged between them. Two dozen softball girls, each who should be proud of what they have accomplished this day. Who won the game, what was the score? It really shouldn't matter. If that were the only reason they played nothing could be sadder. The softball girls has set the goals. That she wants to achieive her dedication and commitment will allow her to succeed. Nomatter what path she takes in life She will remember the "life lessons" that softball taught No one will ever tell her she can't do something. She has learned what it takes to suceed and theses things will never be forgotten. ' As they turn down her street The softball girl waves to her friends She smiles and feels joy in her heart As she goes outside to play with them, she sighs "What a perfect way for the day to end." After all last week she just turned 10. -Coach Bill |
| The Softball Girl |
 |