I'm 17... When Did That Happen!?

My Softball Blues

What can I do?

What am I doing wrong?

Why?

Why did I go from starting both games, 

to playing one game,

to starting one game,

to playing two innings of one game?

What am I doing wrong?

I have improved, havn't I?

I went from striking out to hitting.

I talk as loud as I can.

I have made mistakes, but I don't hang my head.

I try to cheer up the team.

So what am I doing wrong?

Why am I not being played?

I know that others need to be played too.

I know that some players are better than me.

Is it because of my ankle (that doesn't bug me anymore)?

But why am I not being played anymore?

Am I making to many mistakes?

What can I do?

What am I doing wrong?

What can I do?

Why am I not getting played as much?

Why, why, why!

I have fire in my heart! I promise!

I want this!

I do my best!

What can I do!

Please... I need to know.

I want to play.

I want to play sooo bad.

Why.... why can't I play?

-s-o-f-t-b-a-l-l-2-0-1-4-

I feel like the outfield doesn't get enough credit.

We get attention for catching a pop fly, and a bit of praise for said catch.

But at the same time- if one mistake is made, we have the whole team yelling at us.

"Get it in!" "Use two hands!" "Get your mit in the dirt!" "Talk!" "Back up the base!"

We can hear your groans when we miss a ball.

You can't hear us cursing.

Every mistake effects us.

Even if we shake it off.

We remember.

I back-peddled instead of turning and running so I missed a ball.

I read that ball wrong with the wind.

My bad. Sorry.

I always forget to backup first base when I'm in right.

Sorry. My bad.

I was following the ball.

That's a good thing, isn't it?

But then if I'm not there, and you overthrow it, it's my fault.

My bad? Sorry.

We are important too.

And not just when the ball is hit to us.

We can hit too.

We can run aggressively too.

We can slide and score points.

And most of us can also play an infield position too.

I can play any outfield and third.

I am comfortable in those positions in games.

I slightly know how all of the other positions work.

I have practice in all positions besides pitcher and catcher.

First base is my most uncomfortable.

They have to be able to catch at all times.

Kudos to anyone that can play second, it's a lot of running.

(Then again, so is all outfield).

Short stop is a lot of steps and plays to remember.

Not to mention to make sure that you are not in the base line

or running into an ump.

Third is my most comfortable infield.

The stress of making sure that runner doesn't get to home.

Of being ready for the (second) most wanted steal.

Throw downs. If it gets past you, they score.

Holy crap.

I would mention pitcher and catcher.

But I have no experience there,

and wouldn't be able to do them justice.

All I know is that I would be terrified to be hit with a bat if I was a catcher.

And that the pitcher is one of the busiest players.

Literally throwing all of the time.