Softball-the sport of successful failures
As the Women's College Softball World Series begins, lets look at this playground that inspired many female athletes.
Women's softball has always been popular thanks to amazing Olympian players like Dot Richardson, Jennie Finch, Lisa Fernandez, and Natasha Watley. ( I am just naming a few.) However, the game of softball has always been evolving. Since I started playing softball in the mid 90's the equipment has drastically changed and in the 2000's it has even changed the outcome of the game. For instance, my first bat was aluminum and any hit I had was produce by my power and mechanics. As travel teams emerged and leagues became more competitive, the bats had more technology, the pitchers mound was moved back three feet, and the catchers gear limited mobility-at least for me. Softball games use to be all about strategy where a team would win 1-0. Now, teams are averaging higher batting averages, more runs are scored and overall more people are watching the game.
Success, right? Wrong. As I began my coaching career in softball, I realized the mechanics are one of the only strengths most softball players utilized and cannot understand the finesse that comes with the mechanics. For instance, a college softball player can slap a ball and reach base safely or a batter can hit a homerun off a ball where they did not have a level swing and as a result they are praised. The game is no longer about instincts, but rather manufactured success....Is this softball?
As I reflect back on my youth and realize how quickly the game has changed, I can only wonder what is in store for this sport. If only all of these present, past, and future players have that athletic IQ, finesse to strengthen her skills, and have equipment that does not dictate a game, then maybe the game would be worth the bragging rights it richly deserves. Sadly, this game is tainted, not like that of baseball, but similar to inflated grades in college where we as a society expect results and want everything to be exciting...who said a run one ball game isn't? Even though we cannot turn back time and play the game like it once was, there is still hope. The hope stems from passionate and solid athletes that make my coaching experience joyous because we can then share the love of the game. Despite the changes, if there is just that one player that can think or react like those old greats, then the game of softball is still alive.
Let's get back to the playground and start from the basics so this wonderful game of successful failures can continue to grow and inspire the next Dot Richardsons!
"A true champion is someone who wants to make a difference, who never gives up, and who gives everything she has no matter what the circumstances are. A true champion works hard and never looses sight of her dreams."-Dr. Dot Richardson
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