A letter to the opponent

Dear NG softball team opponents,


I understand that you called our school to complain of our poor sportsmanship because we beat your team 20-0. While I know how a big loss feels terrible (been there), please allow me to tell you how I feel...


When I see a successful athlete I immediately think about the hard work and effort that has made her a better player. Regardless of the score, when a pitcher has a 3 strike-out, 3up-3down inning, she deserves some praise. And this is why... what looks easy for her, has really been hard. While other teens are hanging with friends at the mall, this pitcher is on a field somewhere with her dad throwing, throwing, throwing the ball. After school, after ball practice, and before homework, she's working with her pitching coach to improve.


While other girls are chillin at home and texting their friends, our player who just got a great hit was practicing and taking hitting lessons to get better. The fielder who just made that play has only been playing softball and couple of years. She didn't know if she would even make the team, much less, play. That little girl who just made contact and ran fast to get on base...well, she's never even been on a softball team before. Several of our players spend their spare time practicing with travel teams (this, on top of school team practices). These girls play tournaments where they play at least four games a day. And they do this by choice!


So you're upset that we beat you so bad. What are you suggesting that we do? Not pitch our best pitcher? Not allow our girls to try to hit the ball? Not allow them to employ the skills they have learned in all these practices? I have a real problem with this because it sends the wrong message to our children. I believe that hard work pays off. When these girls play and play well, it is the result of their hard work. And personally, I am sorry if you have a problem with that.


Since you can't tell a player to play "bad", I guess you think we should bench a player that is too good compared to your team. Seriously??????


May I suggest that this loss, like any loss, be a learning lesson. You think our girls have never lost a game? Or lost something they have attempted? I can assure you that losses are probably what has made our girls better players. That, and the fact that they have worked very hard.





To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail--Michael Jordan





Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen--Michael Jordan