As you know, we are a big baseball family. Mike and I grew up playing baseball and softball, and we love to watch major league baseball games. When our kids were born, we hoped that they would like baseball like us (you may recall Mike and I even have a joking “arrangement” for choosing their favorite team), but we swore we wouldn’t push them into anything. Happily, Annabel and James both really like watching baseball games, and they love playing catch in our backyard.
Since I spent a very large portion of my childhood playing softball, I was a little hesitant to get Annie involved in local softball too early. I wanted to make sure she WANTED to play, and I also wanted to start her when she was at a physical and emotional age to enjoy it. So even though she’s been asking to start playing the last two years, we finally started her this year. She was so excited picking out a new glove and other equipment! I’ve never seen anyone get so hyped up over a water bottle.
About a month after we signed her up, we received an email asking for parent volunteers for Annie’s team – specifically, a coach/manager. It had never been my intention to be Annie’s coach, but I realized it was something I could probably do (especially with my current employment status), so I volunteered. I figured someone else likely would have stepped up before me, but nope! I am officially the coach of ten girls ages 4-7. Oh, and only two of them had ever played before.
Luckily, I had another dad sign up to be an assistant, and I was able to convince my dad (my own coach from back in the day) to be the other assistant. I LOVE the team. The girls are learning how to do everything, but they are so cute and enthusiastic through it all. They love to give me hugs and hold my hand. It’s so sweet and not at all what I was expecting. Is every practice like herding cats? YEP. But I’ve really enjoyed it.
This last Saturday*, Annie, my dad, and I arrived at the fields bright and early for Opening Day. As we walked to meet the team, Annie said, “I feel like I’m going to watch a game…but I am actually going to be PLAYING! I can’t believe it!” It was so fun watching Annie take in all the festivities. First we had team pictures, and then there was a ceremony where all the teams paraded in front of the crowd. My girls were beaming and skipping around, so happy.
When game time came around, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew the girls had worked hard and improved, but…you know. They’re ages four to seven. But they blew me away. Sure, there was some grass picking from the outfielders, and the infielders were REALLY fascinated by the chalk. But they ran after the ball, made their throws, and did a great job at bat. I was so proud of them.
I was especially proud of my Annie. She is the oldest girl on the team and has really embraced it. She led the cheers and gave out lots of high fives. I know what it’s like to be the coach’s daughter, so I have been careful to not only not favor her but to not go too far in the other direction, either. She did amazing on Saturday, making some good plays at first base and also getting two hits off of the pitching machine.
After the game, Annie said, “Today was my dream come true! I’m gonna play for the Dodgers someday!”
It’s been such a great experience coaching the girls, but seeing Annie love the sport that her dad and I enjoy so much has been something else. I am so glad I can share this with her.
*Yes, I coached the game with my concussion, but then I immediately went home and rested for the rest of the weekend!!
samatwitch ok uh says:
Congratulations to you for stepping up as coach and to Annie for a great first game and for being so enthusiastic. She sounds like a real leader on the team. I hope you are over your concussion now. Maybe you should wear a helmet I case of any wild bats or balls!!
Jennifer says:
You never know she might play baseball with the boys next year and the years to follow. When my son played baseball, there was this girl on one of the teams. She was one of the best players in the league.
Jeanie says:
You know? Maybe she WILL play for the Dodgers. I used to love to play softball, too.
Mel says:
Purple Panthers. Big sister is there.
Rachael says:
I love this age! My daughter is in her 2nd year of 14u and I know the time is passing too quickly. Very impressed that Annie didn’t send her bat flying when she hit the ball! Most first year players hit and fling! lol
evil mutant swim coach says:
As my name suggests, I am a swim coach! This year, my daughter joined the team I work with and she swam with me during the summer. It’s a different challenge coaching your own kid, for sure! There are five other coaches with us, so I’m not in charge of her lane often.
At meets, I ask if she wants the “mom thing” or the “coach thing.” The mom thing is a hug and kiss and “swim fast!” the coach thing is, well, coaching. Like you, I want her to swim because SHE loves it, not because of me.
Kim Tracy Prince says:
That’ssssssss….pretty amazing. That you have the patience and wherewithal to handle all those little kids, and on a concussion, no less? I’m out of the loop. Reading on to find out what the heck.
Alison says:
She chose the Dodgers over the Giants for her future team. I bet you were thrilled.
Jannette says:
In Texas, the 4 to 6 age teams use a tee, and the 8U get coach pitch. 9 & above go to machine pitch, etc.
I find the differences interesting.
We got our daughter’s helmet painted with name and flames. It is her absolute favorite part about playing. I bet Annie would love it.
Love to see you as the coach. We have very few women coaches in our softball league.