Softball

So as probably some of you know, I'm a major tomboy. I love sports, almost every sport. I'm not a fan of cheerleading (oh wait that's not a sport :D), I don't like lacrosse and field hockey, and I'm not a fan of ice hockey, or soccer. I love basketball, football, baseball, and especially softball.

When i was 4 years old, I got my first ball glove. My mom and dad would pitch a ball to me ever so softly and I would let it fall to the ground and roll between my legs so I could look between my legs like every little kid loves to do. Then, I'd run after it, pick it up, and bring it right back to them and place it in their hand instead of throwing it. At the age of 4, what kid wants to throw the ball when you could use all that energy and run it to them, then run back to my spot and do it all over again? Duh.

Then, when I turned 6, I started playing organized ball. I was the clean-up hitter for my t-ball team. Not to toot my own horn but I was the only kid in the county to ever turn an unassisted triple play. Thank you, thank you. :D

Then I started playing slow pitch softball. I had the time of my life playing. I could hit really well, I could play virtually any position, and I was one of the best players in the county.
All good things must come to an end, though. Middle school rolled around and all of a sudden, there was no more slow pitch. To play the game of softball, one must throw themselves into the wonderful world of fast pitch. I was apprehensive at first, but I thought I'd give try-outs a try. I made the high school freshman team and enjoyed my time there. I played freshman ball my 7th, 8th, and freshman years.

After you become a sophomore, you either don't make the team or you play JV/Varsity. So, again, I had to try out. I made the JV team and, again, I enjoyed my time there, both years.

Then I became a senior. I was a first baseman. I practiced every practice with all the starters and was always put on first base. I was so excited. I'd finally moved to Varsity (seniors weren't allowed to play JV so it was play varsity or just dress and sit the bench), and I had a starting position. The day before our first game, we were doing game situations in practice like we always do. Coach was putting people in positions. Then he said "Jess, you're on first!" So I start trotting out to my position. "No, not you, the other Jess." A girl a year younger than me that had just moved to town and had to go through hearings in front of the education board and the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) to even be considered eligible to play, took my spot. Up until that day, first base had been all mine. And I was good at playing first. I had a glove that could scoop up any errant throw. But this girl that moved in at the last second was given my spot. I don't have anything against that girl. It's not her fault. I hated my coach though. I walked off the field and everyone just stared at me like "what just happened?"

I was never so devastated and embarrassed in my life. I had to "go to the bathroom" right then, just so I wouldn't show everyone my tears. All my childhood I'd devoted to sports, and then I had my shining moment ripped out from under me.

But, being the trooper I am, I cheered all that much harder from the dugout, and worked my ass off at every practice.

Senior night rolled around and I was so happy. Anybody who knows sports at all, knows that all the seniors get to start senior night, just because that's who they are. I was so excited. Game day was finally here and we were warming up for the game. Then it was time for the opening lineup. I waited. And waited. And waited still....I wasn't in the lineup. I didn't get to start senior night. I got to bat once. That was it. Then he took me out. Again...devastated and embarrassed.

I wasn't the most athletic girl on the team, and I wasn't the most talented. But the most heart, I definitely had, and I would have played that heart out on senior night, just to prove that I belonged to be out on that field. But I was never given the chance.

So now...it's very hard for me to go and support that coach that I absolutely hate. I still like the game and I love the team, not as much as I used to, but I hate the coach. He always says hi to me when he sees me, and acts like we're best friends. Fuck that. He ruined the game I once loved for me. What happened to humanity and decency? He must have missed out on those attributes.

Okay, rant over. I guess I just felt like getting that off my chest because college softball is on TV and my sister is playing at the high school right now too. I'll always go support my sisters while the play. But it's hard.

<3 Jess