What Happened To My Softball Game

I have become a crap softball player. I don’t know exactly how or even when it happened. I am known as an above average power hitter with a lot of walks and a .600+ batting average. I have documented that over several years I Slugged better than 1.200. That’s more than one base gained per at bat. I was a stud.

To celebrate the 4th of July in my hometown, softball players have the option to play in the 4th of July Softball Tournament. Over the years, the team I managed had won the tournament. It was one of my greatest sporting achievements. This year I played on a friend’s team in the Tourney. We lost pretty badly, mainly because we didn’t hit. But the worst part for me is that I didn’t hit. I had two hits and two walks for the four games we played. I figured my batting average for the games to be below my body weight in pounds. Neither of my hits were for extra bases.

I played all right on defense, even surprised myself, but that is not what I enjoy about the game. I would rather Catch or DH the games I play in, leaving the defense to the players that like that stuff. I’m there for the hitting.

Thinking back, I have noticed this contamination in my game since last year. It was then that I started playing on turf fields and with people I didn’t know. That shouldn’t affect my hitting. Nevertheless, I am considering giving up playing on turf, sticking only to dirt and grass fields. I like cleats more than turf shoes because I use my legs so much in my swing. Maybe that’s it? Slipping on turf has affected my confidence? I have been playing for fifteen years so I doubt that.

There is more pain now that I have aged. My body doesn’t heal as fast as it used to. I like to think that my swing is still good, especially when there is no pain. I do occasionally hit the stuffing out of the ball, but the consistency is gone. Anyway, I am trying to figure it out. Not going to throw the baby out with the bath water. I still enjoy softball, just not as often as I want to.