More Softball

Tyler made it home around midnight last night. He had a very nice time, but he was quite happy to be back to his own bed and computer and to have some time to himself. We've heard stories here and there, but I'm sure we'll hear more as time goes on. I'm glad to have him home. He has about 2 weeks before he leaves for his next adventure.

Danielle's softball team is playing in a 3 day tournament this weekend. This tournament is huge and has a lot of very good teams in it. So far we are not one of those very good teams. ;) We are a new team and many of these teams have been playing together for years, kind of like our team last year. That really does make a difference. We also have been making some fielding errors here and there, and there are still those few that seem like they really don't want to be there. When you start having to try out and pay for travel sports like this, you like to think you weed those people out. Not so.

Danielle, however, is not one of those. She just loves to play, and it is obvious when you watch her. It doesn't matter if her team is losing badly, she hustles onto the field, she encourages her teammates, she smiles, and she always tries her hardest. Her coaches have noticed this, too. They are firm believers in only playing the players who really try hard and want to be out there. Out of 15 games, Danielle has only sat one inning. Everyone else has sat multiple innings. Some girls, entire games. They earn stickers for their helmets for good plays, batting accomplishments, and other things the coaches want to emphasize. Danielle has earned more stickers for her helmet than anyone else. Although our team has some work to do, I feel like her coaches appreciate & recognize her effort and hard work more than her coaches in the past have. She feels the difference, too, and it makes her want to work all the harder.

She has been playing centerfield because our pitcher is rather slow and the batters can send the ball flying if they get ahold of it. She is fast, has a good arm, and knows where the plays are. She made some great plays today. In one game she made at least 5 outs and had to really move to catch some of the balls. She was aggressive and very fun to watch. The other team noticed, too. Each team gives someone on the opposing team an MVP ribbon after the game. Danielle received the ribbon in our last game, and it was well earned. She was proud of herself, as well she should be. She worked really hard today.

Stealing 2nd.
She was the only person who was able to steal successfully in one of our games yesterday.
It was close, but she is fast and is a smart base runner.

One of her outs yesterday.

Danielle gave me a big smile after a nice hit today. After looking at the picture when I got home, I thought the 2 grumpy looking guys behind her were kind of funny.

Waiting to steal.

Danielle with her MVP ribbon.

Danielle refuses to wear sliding shorts. This is the growing bruise on her thigh from all her slides. That ought to look really nice at the pool.