My growing appreciation for Softball
I figured before we move fully into football mode, I should write this post that I have been putting off writing for quite some time now. I am not sure why I have been putting it off, it isn't that I didn't want to, I have just been really busy. As such I have been neglecting my sports account quite a bit.
I can barely remember many years ago when my oldest niece started playing softball on one of the local recreation leagues. Her dad played baseball in college, so I guess it was only natural that they migrate towards a sport that included a ball and bat. It was just a few short years before her younger sister started playing softball as well. Before I knew it, I was a full fledged softball uncle.
It's been over a decade now that we have been following our nieces around to different locations watching them play and grow in their skill. My oldest niece just started college where she will be playing softball for the university team.
Besides "school ball", they have also been on a travel teams over the years. My younger niece just made the decision to leave her longtime team and play on a different team that is at a little higher level. It was a really hard decision for her, but I am proud she followed her heart and decided to try something new and accept the challenge of growing her skills.
While I can't say that I enjoy the summers spent in the blistering heat watching all day tournaments, I do love watching them play. If you have the misconception that softball is a boring or lame sport, you totally need to rethink your stance.
Go ahead and jump over to Youtube and watch the countless videos of softball pitchers striking out major league baseball players. It is a totally different mechanic than you are used to if you watch baseball. Sure, the pitchers still have all kinds of crazy pitches, off speed, etc. Unlike baseball where you have "sinker" ball, in softball they throw a "riser". It is pretty awesome to watch someone get struck out on a well place off speed pitch.
The bases are closer than baseball too. That means you get a lot more stealing of bases. It isn't uncommon for players to steal home multiple times in a game. In baseball you are lucky if you see that once a month or once a season.
There is truly so much to love about this game. I am so excited to see both of my nieces play at the next level in their careers. I think the best part of it is the fact that I get to watch them do something they love.
I challenge you, next time you are flipping through the channels and you see that college softball game on one of the conference channels, stop and give it a watch, I don't think you will be disappointed. Just don't blame me when you become a softball fanatic!
Sports Talk Social - @bozz.sports
I used to play at school and loved the game. So much fun.
I played for fun back in the day, but never seriously. I used to go and watch the church league stuff when I went down to KY to visit my sister.
My family as a whole have played ball at different stages of there lives.We as kids growing up have played ball for a small part of our lives.My positions were center field or short stop.I have never really sat down to watch a game of ball.Over time It didn't appeal to me anymore. My wife is not a sports fan of any kind.To sit down and watch something sporty is out of the ?.
That's too bad. It is so exciting. I guess if you don't know the players, there probably isn't much point. I think I would still watch the college games on TV even if my nieces didn't play. At least stop for a few minutes as I was flipping through.
I am always amazed at the intensity of girls' softball. These young ladies are true athletes, and watching them play is seldom boring.
Nice post @bozz.sports
You must be quite proud of your nieces.
!CTP
I am so proud of them. They are rockstars. All of my nieces and nephews are. My youngest niece is quite a pro on the elementary basketball court and my youngest nephews are starting football. They are going to be bruisers!
I love softball. The speed that goes with that underhanded pitch is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
No doubt! I got hit in the leg once when my niece was practicing her pitching and I had a bruise for weeks! She throw much harder and faster now!
I have never played softball, but now I'm going to head over to youtube to check it out. Thank you :-)
It's so fun to watch and my nieces love playing it. I hope you enjoy it!