Starbursts 2012

So back in mid-February, we were at ballet, and I was chatting with some fellow moms when one of them mentioned softball. We have discussed softball previously. Two years ago, the girls seemed too young, and last year I vetoed softball outright, citing pregnancy and an inability (i.e., refusal) to attend games in the heat. I had been vaguely aware that registration would happen at the end of winter, but had been coasting on the possibility of the timeframe slipping by us. In talking with the ballet moms, I learned that the next day was the deadline. Skip has been lobbying for softball, and therefore, registration forms were completed on the very last day of registration.

We went to an evaluation a couple of weeks later.   As we were backing out of the garage, Lauren excitedly asked, "Mom!  Did you remember our tennis balls?"  I knew then we woud be a tremendous asset to whatever team we were assigned.

Gracie and Lauren are proud to be part of the 2012 Starbursts!  They have attended a few practices and have been working at home as well. 

Last Friday night was supposed to have been the big, opening day festivities, with all of the teams marching through the park, followed by fun activities, food, inflatables, etc.  Unfortunately, all events were canceled due to inclement weather.  We happened to be at our bank Friday afternoon when the first storms began.  They both exclaimed, "Oh NO!  It's raining, and our party is going to be canceled!"  Although we were hopeful that the weather would clear enough to at least have some rainy activities, we received the call late Friday afternoon that the park activities were kiboshed.  Unfortunately, we were dressed and ready to go, and I had to explain to the girls, who were decked out in their full uniforms, that the party was a no-go. 

By the way, Lauren and Gracie were given numbers 8 and 9, respectively.  Nothing says my-mom-waited-until-the-last-minute-to-register-us like having the last numbers on the team. 

We will wear them proudly.

Saturday morning's game seemed questionable, but we were able to play.  Uncharacteristically, no one complained about the muddy field.  (We're looking at you, LuLu.) 

After warming up and an opening day huddle, we were ready to play. 

Gracie kicked off the season for the Starbursts by being first at bat. 

If it seems like the coach is pointing out the location of first base, that's because he is.  Hitting the ball, dropping the bat and running to first base is apparently a learned skill.  Every member of our team had to be shown or reminded about first base. 

Gracie was ready, though.  She took her swing(s), and made a good hit. 

She got on base!

When Lauren was up, she received similar instruction (the entire team did), took a swing or two, got a hit and made it on base. 

Running the bases seemed anticlimatic after the thrill of batting. 

After a stint in the field (Gracie on 3rd; Lauren in left center), Gracie was back at the plate.  By now, Gracie was hot and tired and on the brink of a meltdown.  With a pep talk from Skip and some magical words from her coach, she batted and again made her way around the bases. 

Lauren was a little punchy when it was her turn, but she warmed up and got in "the zone".

Gracie, in the meantime, scored again.  (She has the honor of scoring the first run of the season for the Starbursts!)

After settling her nerves, Lauren was at bat.   We are on a team that is transitioning from the tee to coach pitch. Each batter received three coach pitches, and then hit off the tee. Lauren hit one of the pitches!

She ran fast to first base and later scored.

After the game, the team met up for a pow wow with the coach.  The entire team did a fantastic job!  Lauren received a star from the coach for her pitch hit, and Gracie received one for her defensive plays. 

Skip deserved a star for coaching third base. He was exhausted after willing 9 little girls to run to third and then on to home.   (Third base and home plate are apparently as elusive as first.)