Sometimes, love doesn’t look like a Hallmark Card. In fact, most times it doesn’t. It doesn’t come wrapped up in a package with hearts, and it isn’t spoken out loud with the common words we are all accustomed to hearing. Sometimes, saying I love you, especially softball style – is more about what we do…

So, why I share my story is because I want other people - the non-players (parent, coaches) to know how much pressure can be on the players from a young age. Especially when they are very talented. I was always heralded for doing so good under pressure, it was one of my gifts. And, I loved the game more than anything in the world. I loved to pitch more than anything in the world. But there was also an immense amount of pressure on me. Fear of losing a game, of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing people. Fear of someone replacing me. Fear of not being validated by making it to a D1 college. Fear of being useless if I couldn't pitch. So much fear that I never really digested or realized.

So here is what I want to say. At some levels of this game - sure, the benchwarmer has a big responsibility. But if you and your team are just playing local tournaments, and a fun World Series - albeit competitive, please stop adding benchwarmers to your team. Warm bodies, just in case. And please stop telling the benchwarmers that they just have to work a little bit harder, and then when they do - going out and finding someone else, or a pick up player to do what us benchwarmers thought we were going to get a chance at doing.

We love meeting our players! We would love to meet yours. If you want us to feature your player or your team just send us a writeup and include some images so we can share them with the world! Today, we meet LIV! My 12 year old daughter, Liv, continues to amaze me with her…

KP is a 2029 catcher/utility player on the TEST fastpitch team out of San Antonio, TX.  This kid is a true gem! KP is an extremely hard working athlete. She puts in the work every single day and it shows! And to her, it isn’t work at all, it’s an enjoyable privilege. She is always…