What does softball teach us......

[Izzy's Dad]

What does softball teach our players (DD's)? Besides the obvious (how to physically play the game, teamwork, etc.)

What does softball teach us as parents?

I'd like to hear different opinions on why we do this softball thing. It has to be more than just playing a game, right?

[Tucson]

I want to tell you what it has taught me recently, that no matter how old you get, you will always have something in common with others that have played the game.

It seems like I have known the ladies on my 55+ team forever. Heck, some of them even look like teammates I knew before. The names are the same, because we are all of that age group - you know - Becky, JoAnne, Sara, Linda, Nancy. There is even a Dottie (think Field of Dreams).

We practiced Saturday and the 70+ age group was on the other field. Heck, this game may never end.

We compare ball gloves, socks and bats. They ask me if their bat is legal. I hope so, because they all have expensive bats. Some are even sporting bat warmers.

They have scheduled a 7:30AM practice for next Sat. I'll be up and headed out while it is still dark. Some things never change.

[coolstuff]

As a softball parent, I have learned:

1. To control my temper
2. To look around before I say something about someone else's daughter
3. To avoid concession stand food
4. To map out the nearest Starbucks to the fields
5. That it really is worth it to pay a couple extra bucks for a nice hotel
5B. Especially ones that offer a free, hot breakfast
6. To buy closeout bats. Last year's model bat is just as good as this year's model
7. Not to buy too much fan wear. (Might change this thanks to DD's current team.)
8. Never speak negatively about the coaches with anyone except DW.
9. To never forget which players/parents go to or will go to our HS and make sure I'm always nice to them.
10. To remember that this is all about DD, not me, or anybody else.

[wadeintothem]

Good list cool stuff!

As a softball umpire, I have learned:

1. To control my temper
2. To look around before I say something about someone's daughter
3. To avoid concession stand food
4. To map out the nearest Starbucks to the fields
5. That my favorite hotel is the free tourney provided one
5B. Especially ones that offer a free, hot breakfast
6. Not to buy too much fan wear. (this really irritates the opposing team )
7. ---------
8. Never speak negatively about the coaches with anyone on that team except maybe the catcher, shortstop, other coach, or pitchers daddy always hanging out behind me at the back stop with a video camera surgically attached to his hand.
9.------------.
10. To remember that this is all about someones DD, not me, or anybody else.

[softball_parent]

As a parent I learned in addition to the above to always bring toilet paper.

For my daughter now that she is an adult some of the things that she has taken into the work world are
1. the wonderful world of being politically correct
2. that even though people (coaches) are idiots you have to learn to work with them and make them feel good about themselves
3. it is not what you way but how you say it
4. always try to stay positive
5. stick with things even when they are difficult
6. the fine art of sucking up
7. always be early because if you are late running isn't fun and the coach/boss typically doesn't care
8. it is easier to stay in shape then to try and get in shape again
9. practice makes perfect
10 keep your friends close and your enemies even closer
11.not everyone is going to love you like your mom and dad
12. hard work pays off most of the time
13. figure out in each situation what you need to do to make yourself stand out and then work on that along with everything else
14. always make those in charge feel good and that you appreciate what they do
15. don't get caught up in the drama, trauma and gossip as more than likely it will come back on you.

[DonnieS]

The thing that I think it teachs at lot of girls, mine included, is that having strong, fit, athletic bodies is important for things other than how they look.

[Tucson]

Lots of good advice in the above lists.

One thing I learned here on the board, is to always pack a second bra. Ha. I really did learn that.

- Always say something positive when it looks like someone is struggling.

- Don't jump on the "Let's criticize everyone" bandwagon.

- Those tall buckets really will support a lot of weight.

- Be prepared with your bag packed the night before a road trip.

- My DD learned how to get along without me at camps.

- And she learned how to manage money. "Here's your money for the weekend. If you spend it all on t-shirts, right this minute, there won't be any more."

[DonnieS]

Also taught me to watch out what you open in the mail. The girls ordered something girlie using my name (and cc), I thought they said sports book, I thinks it a sports hook and it has something to do with all the white frilly crap around my dds bedroom, disgusting. Whats the post man going to think? I asked them to at least order the damn thing in camo next time, no one sees it anyway and its a little more manly just in case the post man peeks.

[Tucson]

Donnie, I have no idea what they ordered. A frilly sports hook? And you have a mailman that looks in your packages?
Amy

[DonnieS]

Donnie, I have no idea what they ordered. A frilly sports hook? And you have a mailman that looks in your packages?
Amy

well, he might, you can never be too careful. Wife started explaining that it hooks the bra to something - and I said 'enough' and left. And I am not sure thats what she said, but I know its not stuff I want to touch. I am a tough guy and tough guys dont mess with girlie crap. Tough guys only mess with manly stuff, camo and what not.