What Does Softball Mean To Me Essay

They say if you love something then you should set it free. That is exactly what I did with softball and me. I invested so much time, effort, and money into the sport but what was I getting in return? Oh yeah, constant nagging, a ton of lies with a side of attitude, and having to regenerate a new set of lungs after every practice due to the excessive amount of running. Despite wanting to shoot myself during practice, I did take some valuable lessons away from playing softball. I started playing softball in fifth grade,and I loved it all with a burning passion; however I quit my senior year. It was stressful mentally, physically, and emotionally. It began to take a real toll on me. I have the body of a ninety year old as it is, and all of the endless drills were not doing my body any justice. The late nights of coming home after a game and having to eat, shower, and do homework made me extremely tired the next day. Yes, it’s a part of it, but it’s not something I wanted to continue doing. Playing softball consumed my life. I missed out on so many fun times and things I should’ve went to. I spent endless hours at the field. I was dedicated, but it was never good enough. A person can only work so hard before they eventually give up. When I officially decided I was not returning for the following
season I felt as if a part of me died. What was I supposed to do with all of my free time? Were some of the friendships I created on the team going to fade away? The truth is I have honestly never been happier and more free. It pleases me knowing I will never have to text my friends back saying, “I can’t, I have practice.”
I learned a lot of fundamentals from softball that I can incorporate into life.
One of the most important lessons that softball helped me perfect is teamwork. Teamwork makes the dream work, and it is the secret that makes common people achieve an uncommon result. Another vital factor is time management because everyone knows nothing good comes from being late or taking too long. In softball and life, communication is the key to success. My communication skills have been enhanced due to needing to be constantly heard and to avoid misinterpretation on and off the field. Softball can either make or break you, but it can also teach you important things you can carry on in
life.
Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is. Don't let a win get to your head, or a loss get to your heart. Life’s a pitch, and sometimes you have to learn to adjust your swing in order to be successful. Life will always throw curves, just keep fouling them off. I might’ve quit playing something I love, but I’m the real winner. This goes to show that quitters are winners too.