In Softball Its The Team That Counts

Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to watch a couple of the best college programs in the country battle it out on the field. They are both highly ranked teams and deservedly so. One in the top 5 and one in the top 15.

Both teams came into the series with good records and strong players. One team recently lost their ace pitcher. That really shouldn't matter that much to a top 5 team, should it? The outcome - well I'll tell you...

In this game of Fastpitch Softball that we all love, it can sometimes revolve around one or two key players. Or so it kind of seems that way. Perhaps your team has an ace pitcher, a really good ERA and some serious movement on the ball. Most teams just aren't ready to hit that junk. She keeps you in most games and helps you win the others.

Perhaps you have a couple elite batters, a slapper like Caitlyn Lowe or a girl that is fast as lightning and can steal bases at will. Maybe its a shortstop that never misses anything even if the ball is 20 feet to her side.

What happens when this person goes down with an injury or has to be away for a few games for whatever reason? Does the team just fold? Do you just give up and wait for her to return?

Season Specials on Position Specific Gloves...

NO! Your team keeps going. You put in another pitcher, you move positions around to replace that elite shortstop. The rest of the team steps up to the plate and hits lights out.

You've been working all winter and into the season. You don't quit now. You want to show your injured teammate that you respect her by trying even harder.

These traits you have just learned on the ball field will carry over into your normal life also. Later, when you are in the working life you will be able to help your "team" by stepping up to the plate and hit lights out again.

Perhaps later in life there is a family trauma. Your training in softball will be there to support you and your family. So don't let the loss of one player drag down your whole team or season.

Ok, I was hoping for a good ending to that top 5 team but it turns out they kind of fell apart. They didn't make many errors but made several mental mistakes that allowed an extra run to score and they lost the game. I am sure they will be back up to their regular game the next time out. They are just too good as a team to stay down.

So don't be like that top 5 team. Get back in there and play the best you can and come out with a win in the game and in life.

Just keepin'it real...