Softball Coach

I love to coach. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a young individual learn to play a sport, no matter what sport it is. Today I helped coach two very different teams at the same sport. The first was my small fry team. My mom, sister, brother, and I all help with this team. It is a group of about 15 girls ageing from 6 to 9 years old. Some of them are very talented and love to be out there. You can tell they are going to continue play when they are older. Therefore I give them much instruction, so they can improve. Others, however, are just there because their parents make them come. These are a pain to coach, because they don’t listen. All I try to do with these girls is teach them enough so they don’t injure themselves.
The second game I helped out with was a special needs softball game. The game was put on by the park district, but they didn’t mind me sticking around and helping. Each team had about 10 players. There was a mixture of males and females from about age 7 to 35, and everyone wanted to be there. Every player had an adult helping them. We played an hour and a half of modified softball with special balls and special bats. The biggest difference between this game and the one before was not the bigger ball or lighter bat or ability of the players, it was the smiles from the players when you told them good job and the spirit of the fans in the crowd.
I had the privilege a giving every player a high five when they made it to first base. Seeing the smile on there face was worth more than any monetary amount I could be given. My favorite part was the fans. It was the biggest crowd I have every seen at that park, and I’m there almost every night. Hearing the cheers for every player, no matter what team, and the applause after every play no matter whether it was a home run or a foul ball. There was never a complaint on ball or strike, out or safe, or whether what was done was legal. Only smiles, cheers, and pictures.
This was about my fifth time helping out with special needs athletes. I have helped with bowling and volleyball also. No matter what sport, the feeling you get when volunteering with these events is always the same. You remember how lucky you are for your own talents and you go home feeling that you really made a difference in someone’s life. I would encourage anyone able to find a special needs program you can help out with in your area. It is way worth it.

Heather