Nine Softball Truths

Nine Truths About Girls That Play Softball

Truth #1

Nothing else compares to the smell of fresh dirt.

Truth #2

Sunscreen is pretty much all the perfume you need.

Truth #3

Eye black makes you play better. It’s a proven fact.

Truth #4

If you look good, you’ll play good.

Truth #5

“Rubbing dirt on it” is a valid form of first aid.

Truth #6

Don’t underestimate any girl. They’ll surprise you.

Truth #7

You’re tougher than you think.

Truth #8

Family goes beyond blood. Family includes your teammates.

Truth #9

If it looks good, swing.

And a huge thanks to all that made this creative session possible (and so much fun)!

Crystal, thank you for contacting me with your fun idea for your daughter’s session.

Carys, thank you for being such a cooperative (and entertaining) model.

Myriah, thank you for being a wonderful assistant whenever needed (and being a catcher with no gear).

Janet, thank you for being an awesome lighting assistant to make these dramatic images possible.

Play Ball!

Softball and baseball season in Central Texas is a BIG deal. Heck, softball and baseball season in our household is a BIG deal!

Softball and baseball season is literally the beginning of our family! In 2010 my oldest three children were playing baseball and softball in Riesel since Marlin did not have a league. At the end of the season one of my boys was picked up to play on a baseball team in Mart to help them advance through the playoffs and hopefully make it to the state tournament. The coach that picked him up would later steal my heart as the season continued.

Fast forward to the following year, we exchanged vows on the shores of Lake Waco during the day and that evening we had a baseball game in Axtell. After the game we stopped by the Prairie Hill Store for ice cream. That was our eventful honeymoon! Every year on our anniversary we make it a point to go to the Prairie Hill Store for ice cream whether or not we are heading home from a baseball or softball game.

We both LOVE this season! Texas summer nights are amazing - with the exception of June bugs and mosquitos! It is very chaotic with all the practice and game schedules for each child. But you just roll with it and figure out each day as it comes. Next week is the week of the softball playoffs which will determine which two teams will advance to the state tournament. Lily and Sadie will be playing in Groesbeck while Gracie will be playing in Valley Mills. We are very excited for all the girls, but honestly we are all slightly bummed that everyone will be split up rather than cheering on each other at the game.

Our family is close knit during this season, coming together to support one another. It’s not just our family, it’s bigger than that. It’s the entire ballpark community. The kids roam around the ballparks playing with the other children. They beg their parents for money to buy junk food at the concession stand so they can share it with their friends. The parents cheer on all the players, not just their own. Everyone genuinely wants every player to succeed and do their best. It’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it for yourself.

Many lessons are learned on that field and ballpark. Teamwork. Attitude. Persistence. Passion. Leadership. Dedication. Faith. Mental toughness. Hard work. Inspiration. Encouragement. Support. Focus. Strength. Motivation. And all of these lessons help prepare you for different areas in your life off the field.

“Remember...you’ve got what it takes so be willing to give it everything you’ve got.”

— unknown

So as the playoff tournament is just around the corner, we would greatly appreciate good thoughts for all the teams - especially for the Mart 6U Smith team and the Groesbeck 15U Chiglo team :)

Mart 12U Pantherettes: A Recap of the State Tournament

I do believe everyone in the city of Mart, Texas is SUPER proud of the 12U Girls Softball Team!  They were undefeated in the regular season which landed them a spot in the district playoff tournament.  They dominated the tournament and clenched the second place ranking.  Leon placed first after beating Mart twice for the championship.  Leon AND Mart were headed to the 12U State Softball Tournament in Rockdale, Texas!

During the week before the state tournament, Mart practiced hard and gave their team everything they had.  They worked on fielding, throwing, batting, specific plays, etc.  They've always played well together, but they have truly grown so much this past season!

Not pictured are three players that were picked up from Riesel.

Monday, Game 1:  Mart vs. Van  This was a GREAT game!  It was a close game!  But Van took the win with a score of 3-2.  Mart now entered the losers bracket.  Just one more loss would send them home.

Tuesday, Game 2:  Mart vs. McGregor  Both teams in the losers bracket from this point on so Mart had to win to stay alive.  Mart takes the win with a final score of 14-2.

Wednesday, Game 3:  Mart vs. Mildred  This game was at 4:00...in the dead heat of the day!  MISERABLE!!  Mart takes another win with a final score of 12-3.  

Thursday, Game 4:  Mart vs. Leon  This game was the first of three - potentially.  This game was also at 4:00, in the dead heat of the day once again.  Leon beat Mart twice in back to back games at the district tournament.  Mart WANTED to win this game!  And Mart did win!  Final score 5-3.  

Thursday, Game 5:  Mart vs. Lexington  Since Mart won, they had to play again at 6:00.  Out of the gate Lexington looked like a difficult team to beat.  They had VERY aggressive runners that clearly knew how to steal bases.  Mart ended up with the win again with a final score of 4-3.

Thursday, Game 6:  Mart vs. Lovelady  This would be the third game for Mart on this day at 8:00.  Mart girls were exhausted!  Back to back games in 100 degree weather, full sun all day long.  Lovelady ended up with the win with a final score of 5-12.  Mart takes fourth place at the state tournament.  Not bad at all for a team that lost their very first game and had to battle their way through the losers bracket.  

Photo from Mart Football Panther Facebook Page

You can read more about the future of Mart Softball here.  Congratulations to the Mart 12U Softball Team!  And while we're speaking about state softball tournaments, it is worth noting that TWO other Mart teams made it to state tournaments so give another congratulations to the 6U and 10U Softball Teams!  Thank you to everyone - players, coaches, parents, and volunteers - that was involved for a GREAT season! 

Found at:  http://www.quoteslike.com/quotes-about-softball-teamwork-quotes/

Found at:  http://www.quoteslike.com/quotes-about-softball-teamwork-quotes/