DOMINATE

Team Domination had its first co-ed softball game last night. On the way to the park, I began to feel completely unprepared and nervous. I had my little league softball glove in my lap, the same one I played with about 20 years ago (holy cow...20 years ago!). It still had my name and phone number written on it. Ashley Bradley 736-2310. Maybe that was part of the problem. Other than our practice a week ago, I hadn't played softball since my little league days.

Nick tried to calm my nerves by telling me to just keep my "eye on the ball." Sounds easy enough, right? I told him that I tried to do that at practice but didn't always connect with the ball. He said I had to watch it through, "watch the ball hit your bat and swing through." His pep talk took me back to my little league days too. It reminded me of the same pep talk my dad used to give me before my games. I always wanted to make my dad proud at the games and I found myself wanting to make Nick proud of me too.

We got to the park, found our team, warmed up, and took the field. I played left center with Nick at left field and our friend Trip at right center. This wasn't going to be as bad as I thought because I knew that Nick or Trip would be able to get the ball if I needed help. The ball did come to me once, I got it but got nervous and tossed it to Nick to throw in for me.

When it was time for me to bat, I tried to calm my nerves. It was pretty anti-climatic as the pitcher walked me. I guess he knew not to mess with the Queen (see yesterday's post)! The second time I was up to bat, I walked again. The third time, I hit the ball to third base and made it on first. I was so excited! That was really all I wanted to do - hit the ball and not strike out.

Our team did an awesome job, living up to our team name. We dominated the other team, winning 16 - 4! Our next game is Friday at 7:30. If you don't have plans, come to Summers at the River for a little domination!