Narrative Essay : My Softball Experience

Softball isn’t all smiles and winning. Sometimes things could almost get sweet. For instance, we were the first team to ever beat Gladstone. I remember it was the second game of the season and we were playing at the dome. I remember Zeke punching the air, “Hell yeah! That’s what I want to see!” and telling us we didn’t have to clean up the equipment because we had won. We went home on a high, so incredibly proud to be on that team.

Mr. Meyerhoff said, “ You really think Americans want to see their girls chewing tobacco and cursing at umpires?” This line reveals that in 1943 girls were expected to act proper. At first, the baseball league for girls seemed like a ridiculous idea to Americans. After a while, people realized that girls could play baseball just as good as any boy. An example of this is when Georgia’s father scoffed at the idea of a girl’s baseball league. Then after he saw Georgia play he changed his mind.

It is now February 8, 2015, I am 15 years old, and a freshman at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis. It’s the beginning of the softball season, my first year playing high school softball. I am so excited to play with the older girls on my team because I am 6 feet tall and praying that someone will be as tall as me so I’m not the odd tall one in the picture. Also the reason I’m excited it is the first year I won’t have my Dad as a coach, but also sad that I won’t have them there chewing my ear about how I screwed up on a play but he was always there to pick me right back

Softball has taught me life lessons such as: synergy, commitment, leadership, and goal setting. Although those are just a few, I strongly believe these have guided me in variety of aspects of my life; my performance in the classroom, demeanor throughout conflict, and perspective on peculiar circumstances are pragmatic cases in which I have executed these lessons intuitively. In addition, softball introduced me to my passion for sports, which has had an extensive impact on me when it comes to considering future occupations. I am assured that my sentiment for this field will contribute to my overall success.

I enjoy helping others pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Softball is a sport that has taught me many important life lessons including teamwork, leadership, and dedication. As softball is a sport that has taught me so much, I spent several weeks of my high school summers volunteering at softball camps. It was always rewarding to see the young girls discover their passion for the game just as I did when I was their age.

Each of my years playing softball has been a momemtous experience for me. Indeed, I have learned valuable lessons about life. I have not only gained experience on how to approach different life situations, but the game has also provided an insight of me. In other words, softball has impacted my life and will also shape my future. Therfore, this will seek to discuss some of these impacts contributions to my life.

"Anyway, the assignment: you'll first be put into pairs. Instead of having to hear you whine about selections I'll just have you choose them yourself."

Hard work never goes un-noticed, and although I did improve, I had acquired the label of ‘outfielder’. The position that wasn’t home to me, but I was forced to recognize as my spot on the field. My first year of Varsity softball arrived and I made it clear infield is where I wanted to be, but my coach’s confidence in me continued to lack to match the level of mine, along with the fact the returning third basemen was a veteran. And the outfield is where I was sent, yet again.

“Hit a home run,” Andrew told me. I couldn’t help the smile that began to form on my face, causing me to laugh at his remark. “You know I will,” I said with a flip of my ponytail. I turned away from the fence and took a few practice swings. How satisfying would it be to hit a home run? Having that feeling of the ball hitting my bat in just the right spot, causing everyone to hear the loud crack when the two connected, or the feeling of watching the ball soar across the field. I wanted desperately to have that dream come true.

The story of how I fell in love with the game of softball is a story like no other. It was not love at first sight, that’s for sure. I didn’t pick up a bat and instantly fall in love. I didn’t eagerly press my face to the glass of the car window as we passed the high school softball fields and watch the older kids play while wishing the day that I can sprint around those bases come sooner. I didn’t ask Santa to bring me a softball glove and leave it under our Christmas tree instead of a Barbie doll. It wasn’t something I just knew I was destined to do. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Softball has been in my life since i was six-years-old. I have been through many experiences, whether those experiences are good or bad, during softball. The one experience that stands out would be during my Junior year when I was constantly getting hit by the ball. Every time that I was hit, I reminded myself that I had a responsibility as a pitcher, and I need to fight through the pain. This responsibility has also translated into my daily lifestyle in many occurrences.

Brian’s practice came to an end. Brian collected all his baseball gear and it put them in his red bag he’s had since he was nine. Brian loved baseball. His uncle was the first one that introduced him to baseball at their annual family reunion. Ever since then, Brian’s world revolved around baseball. Brian had practice every day after school and went straight home. Due to his busy schedule, Brian didn’t have that many friends. He usually kept to himself and didn’t socialize with any of his peers. Brian grabbed his bag and threw it across his back and got on his bike. He didn’t live too far from his middle school, so he would ride his bike to and from school. He also didn’t like disturbing his mom because she worked most of the time.

“H-how could you do this to me,” I stuttered, “I always wanted to be on the team but not like this.” This might have been the worst day I have ever encountered.

As I walked out of school I saw my friend darcy. I was afraid that she wouldn't understand why i did what i did. She was waving me over waiting for me to tell her the big news if i made it or not.

As I take my first steps onto the grass, I can feel the soft ground beneath my feet. I hear the whistling wind blowing in my hair.I can smell the freshly cut lawn and the newly planted soil. The bright yellow sun beats down on my face. I can hear the birds chirping in the distance but to me this means nothing. The birds stop chirping, the wind goes silent, it’s just me and the field. I envision a place where you never worry, one where I can be alone and free of all responsibility. I look up at the empty bleachers and close my eyes to imagine the sound of yelling fans. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers right off the grill, the buttery mouthwatering popcorn. I drop the ball to my feet, take in a breath and take my first touches, each touch