Game Ball Fever!!!

For softball it is a big deal to get the game ball at the end of a game. Sami had a game on Saturday, she did great. She hit a home run with two other girls on base and had a total of 7 RBI's. She caught a pop fly, and even threw out a girl who was stealing to third. She hit every time up to bat and was definitely a very strong player. So she won the game ball HAND'S DOWN! She was so excited. I was excited, Jim was excited.

Jimi had a game Monday, she hit every time but one, where she got walked. She played short stop and it seemed like every ball was hit her way. She scooped EVERY one up, and made all but one PERFECT throws, and the one that wasn't perfect was still pretty darn good. I didn't count her RBI's but I know she did good. Her coach's have a lot of faith in her speed and almost always send her on the steal home because most of the time she makes it. One small error in her game was when she stole home and didn't slide, well the rule is if the play is even close the runner has to slide. She didn't. She would have been safe, but the Ump RUDELY called her out. I knew she was out, I knew WHY she was out, but he didn't have to be so rude. Needless to say she got the game ball. YEAH JIMI!!! Same game, Jimi played against Tori's team. Jimi's team was winning by quiet a bit, but Tori's team has two pretty good pitchers. Early in the season I would practice with all the girls, batting, fielding grounders, pop ups, and throwing. Tori and Sami showed interest in pitching so, being a catcher myself and watching many pitchers form for years I taught them all I knew. (I can teach, but by no means can I pitch) VERY early on I noticed some real talent in Tori, and Sami. So I was thrilled when I noticed Tori up to pitch for the last two innings. I have to say that I was SO proud of her. She only walked one girl in both innings, and had very few balls. I know she want's a little more speed but I am assuring her that will come in time but for now it's all about accuracy. Again, I was just so proud of her. I can only post one picture cause I promised Tabi I would send her the rest. So she got the game ball too! Jimi and Harleigh are on the same team so imagine the pressure I felt (cause it's all about me, right?) with Tori pitching, Harleigh up to bat who also had a great hit, and Jimi on third waiting to steal home. I also have to say that I was very proud of Harleigh in the same game because she hasn't been hitting really good yet this season, but when she was up to bat against Tori I reminded her that she had hit off her practicing at home, I think it gave her just the confidence she needed because she had a great hit! I keep going back and forth about coaching next year, so I'm back to wanting to again. This is who I want to draft on my team...

Jimi and Sami, because it is the only year they can both play on the same team. Sami at third and Jimi at short, Tori pitching, I want Harleigh, I would like Sami V. for a catcher if I could, Taryn K, Heather M, and a few others that I'm not sure I could get, but then I could hold practices here in South Fork and make it so much easier, and Jim could take the boys.

I LOVE softball!!! I have so many great memories of ball when I was younger, my dad went to EVERY game and that wasn't easy for him. He drove truck on graveyards most the time but would skip sleep to come to my games. They finally recruited him as an ump or something. Thanks daddy, I will never forget that! I even got a brand new glove for getting perfect attendance in 5th grade.

Oh yeah, this Friday after seeing Tori pitch and knowing I helped her. (wish I could take all the credit, but she has TON'S of natural talent) Sami's coach has promised to let her pitch in her game, we are all so excited, and a little nervous. It's definitely different in a game. I know she will do great!