This Is How We Do It

These girls brought the smoke.

Bat Intentions finished 12-2 in league play (13-4 overall) their spring season and is now gearing up for tournament ball. With the nucleus of the team returning from fall softball, it would be interesting to see how the new girls would fit in as teammates and as a bonus, friends away from the diamond. Hint: They looked and played like they had always been there cheering for each other, showing off some wicked-awesome dance moves, and hitting some dingers!

To be completely honest, I wasn't entirely sure of my lane with the team as we were coming off a tough basketball season as player and assistant coach, but the one that fits me best is pretty dang important: Dad. Instead of being Caeli's coach, I got to be her Daddy again - and one animated Number One fan of #9. Over the season, she and the other girls have become as dangerous at the plate as they are in the field or even on-base. It also needs to be stated that advanced metrics such as WAR (wins over replacement) mean nothing in 6U since not only are our girls are having fun but also still learning the game. Are their instincts always there? Yes and no. At their tender ages, expecting a rocket from center field to first base isn't within the realm of their arms and abilities yet their swift little feet are unreal at chasing down outs. What does not get mentioned enough is how they picked each other up during games: if one was having an off night, another stepped in the gap and carried her. 

Point is, the fun comes in the growth. 

While Bat Intentions had smoke for all comers, they were also good examples of sportsmanship. Credit coaches Mark, Aaron, KC, Ryan, and Blane for not only teaching the game but also modeling it the right way.

Coming from a winless* squad in fall ball to a team that worked ninety minutes twice a week, it's safe to say the extra practices have turned into the wins. Thanks to the great parents who have become friends - always good to have neighbors in Jeff and Bailee around the corner from us. In addition, salute to Chastity, Beau, Meagan, Tosha, Tiffany, Tori, Chuck, Ashley, Sarah, Cami, Stu, Melissa, and all of the other parents, grandparents, family members, and friends of Bat Intentions who came out to support the team at their games and for some interesting post-Covid birthday parties. 

*Although Storm was winless in the fall, they did beat Insanity until their coaches cried and got an extra at-bat. Reread Hey, Batter, Batter, Batter, Batter, Batter, Swing! for my true feelings about that season finale.

I'm telling you, these girls are already something special. 

So...in no particular order (so no one gets mad at me later), here are the best softball players in Saline County: Caeli, Emma, Madison, Emma, Adah, Ryleigh, Cambree, Saylor, Rose, and Paisli.