First Game

Hello All,

This past Sunday we had our first game.You couldn't have scripted a better day as far as the weather goes for this time of year. It was in the mid 50's, sunny.  As I got to school that morning, I was excited to see this team play and compete. We have a scrappy, fighting team that has so much heart and passion for softball and great chemistry with each other.

The bus pulled into the parking lot and we loaded the equipment and everything we needed for the day. As the players started getting on the bus, it was exciting to know that softball season is finally here. They seemed anxious to get started as well. We only had about an hour and half trip so the travel would be somewhat quick. All of us coaches talked on the bus about different scenarios as to what could happen in the game and what would we do. I know that you are never prepared for every scenario so that is why as coaches you always have to have plan a, b, c, d, etc.

Once we got to the college, I noticed the players getting off the bus in their new uniforms and I really liked the new look. I will talk about that later on.

As we proceeded to warm up, the players were singing and getting loose. I thought that was a good sign.. We were going to start 5 freshmen on the field today so we knew the returners would need to be leaders for our young group. The game was almost getting ready to happen. The National Anthem was played, starters were acknowledged, pregame meeting with umpires concluded and here we are getting ready to bat. As I head over to the 3rd base coaching box, I feeling of calm came over me and I knew this is where the fun begins. Isn't that what softball is all about? Having fun with your team!

The end result was not what we wanted but overall there were a lot of positives. As with any sport, you have to take care of the ball and we didn't defensively. We made too many errors at crucial times that the opponents capitalized on. The errors are fixable though, which is a good thing.

We are a young team this year as far as college experience goes and I know we had some first game jitters. It showed in the first couple of innings of both games. Once we got ourselves under control, we made some really good plays and hit the ball hard. We had some players that came off the bench and executed exactly what we asked of them and played hard.We need to gain more confidence in ourselves and that will come as we continue to play each game. We have just started this journey but it is one that will be exciting, challenging, and competitive. We can't predict the future or know what it holds, but we can play softball one game at a time, one pitch at a time.

On a side note, if you buy uniforms that will consist of white pants, make sure you buy stock in all the stain removers on the market. Or if you are the coach that wants the pants, don't listen to yourself.

Until next time. . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Injuries

Hello All,

We are still a couple of weeks away from opening our 2013 season. The team has been working really hard and unfortunately, we have had some injuries along the way. There have been a total of 3 serious injuries, or at least serious enough to keep them out of practice for a bit. As a coach, when you think you have found the right combination, something happens. We have had a couple of knee and arm injuries. We are working on getting everyone back healthy here soon. Our trainer has done a terrific job trying to get everyone healthy.
A couple of Saturdays ago, the team went bowling and out to eat. They had a wonderful time together and I believe it came at a good point in our season. Who would have thought that the pitchers would have all been on the same team bowling when they decided to divide up into teams.However, I guess for some they do throw a natural curve which I am sure helps at bowling. The coaches did not go to this so it was strictly for the players. I know it will pay off during our season.
I will be back with more later and until next time. . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!