Batter Up

Feels pretty good to be back out on the field. More mentally then physically. I took the last 5 years off and just started up last week on a co-ed team. I'm pretty rusty but it's all coming back to me.

I've been playing softball since I was 9 years old. Fast pitch until I graduated from high school then it was slow pitch after that. At one point I found myself playing on 3 different teams and though my last year I had slowed down, I found myself not enjoying it anymore. The team I put first was my competitive womens team. We even went as far as to Kingman AZ to play at Nationals. But 5 years ago I found myself feeling burned out and before the season had even started I was wanting it to be over already. I knew I needed to hang up my bag and take a break for awhile. So I took a break, had a baby and now with her being 2 years old I feel ready and wanting to do it.

I love this sport. I love the feel of the dirt, the fly balls, the big hits. Being a part of a team. Rounding the bases. Crossing home plate. Seeing the familiar faces. Seeing the same umpires. The feel of a great hit when it hits the 'sweet' spot. The happiness when you burn a guy and it goes over his head. Pride when you're part of a good play. Watching a teammate make an EXCELLENT play. Telling a teammate good hit or great catch. Putting daily life aside and showing up for an hour to let off some steam. It really is a great sport and it feels good to come to the field and hang my bag on the fence. I just want to keep it balanced and not let it take over my life like it had before. I think what I'm doing this season is a real nice balance.