(Jim Hartman wrote this moving and well written essay while a senior
in high school, which reveals his passion and love for the game we
call boys' and men's fastpitch softball.)
HARTFORD, SOUTH DAKOTA - "Tell us a story, Grandpa!" my grandchildren
begged, crawling onto my lap.
"I'll tell you a tale of a young man whose success was fueled by
dedication and determination," I replied, "an average boy who became
extraordinary by setting a goal and working to achieve it."
"The tale begins with a boy who needed only a softball and glove to
be content. The boy spent hours in the sun, throwing the softball
into the air and chasing after it. Though his teammates often became
distracted by planes flying overhead or bugs crawling through the
grass, the boy focused on learning the mechanics of the game.
When the need for a (fastpitch) pitcher arose, the boy accepted the
challenge of leading his team.
Though the first pitch the boy threw in a game hit the opposing
team's dugout, he didn't hang his head in shame. Instead, the boy
vowed to improve and practiced his pitching several times a week to
build consistency and confidence.
By season's end, the boy had established himself as a formidable
pitcher. The years flew by, and the boy continued his training,
improving his technique and working diligently to become the best
pitcher he could be.
During a national tournament, the boy's life changed forever. The
pitching coach for the USA Junior Men's Olympic softball team
approached the boy, offering him the opportunity of a lifetime. The
coach told the boy that he had great potential; if the boy's
technique improved, he could one day pitch for Team USA.
This enticing prospect ignited passion and drive in the young
pitcher; it also inspired something invaluable, a goal.
This goal filled the boy with determination, leading him to push
himself in every way: lifting weights to build strength, learning
new pitches, practicing longer and more frequently to build stamina,
seeking knowledge from experienced pitchers, and pitching in men's
league to help him mature.
The boy's efforts led to success on and off the field for he applied
this work ethic to every aspect of his life. While the boy and his
team earned four national titles, he excelled academically,
volunteered with the handicapped, and worked a part-time job.
Now the pitcher stands on the mound at the World Games, receiving the
signal from his catcher as the Japanese batter crouches to make a
smaller strike zone. He starts his windup then releases the ball,
which dips right under the bat. The wind blows lightly across his
jersey, creasing it.
The pitcher deliberately reaches down and straightens it, once again
exposing the red, white and blue USA on his chest.
Gone is the boy whose first pitch hit the dugout; in his place is a
proud young man whose hard work and discipline changed him from
average to extraordinary."
Only one grandchild remained awake at the end of the tale.
"Grandpa," she asked, "is the young man in the story you?" "Yes," I
replied, slowly pulling myself out of my reverie, "a long time ago."
To read more fastpitch softball stories visit:
Bob Otto's website
www.ottoinfocus.com.
botto3@verizon.net
