"Daughter" And The Batting Coach

Yesterday I was telling you about the upcoming softball season and the lengths to which some crazy parents will go to create super athletes out of their children. Can you imagine? Coaches who specialize in hitting and pitching, what a world. If it were that easy to create a master race of ball players, why don't the Cubs do it? Ha! A slap in the face to all my Cub fan friends. Go White Sox!

Anyhow, I wish I could tell you I was above all this and was just happy to see "Daughter" enjoying herself, but come on, we all know that isn't the case. So Monday afternoon I took "Daughter" to her first lesson with a batting coach. I can't be held responsible for this. Point of fact, the Easter Bunny put a certificate for two lessons in "Daughter's" basket. I guess the Bunny was a little disappointed in her on base and slugging percentages in the pre-season and decided to step in. Since I am really in no position to argue with the Easter Bunny or even the Tooth Fairy for that matter it was off to the batting academy.

I always heard about the pros adjusting their swings and having coaches dissect every at bat in order to create the next Babe Ruth, but hadn't really given it much credence. Man, was I wrong. Within thirty minutes, the coach had made a few minor adjustments in "Daughter's" swing and the results were amazing. She was making solid contact with the ball and putting everything in play. The smile on her face should have been enough for me, but it wasn't until the coach said that she had "real power" that I breathed easy. "Daughter" really liked the coach and was able to remember everything he told her.

Now I'm hooked. Visions of scholarships and Olympic glory are flashing in my addled mind. I'm sure I'll go over the edge and make "Daughter" hate the thought of ever picking up a bat, but I hope not. I know that having fun is the most important thing, but let's be honest, it's easier to have fun if you don't suck. Sure, you might not always get a hit, but isn't it better to go to the plate knowing that the chances are better that you will hit the ball? Damn right it is! Everyone wants to blast a frozen rope down the throats of some cocky infielder taunting you with a "hey batter, batter." Now it's off to the batting cages. I have unfulfilled dreams to live out on the back of my kid. Later...Brian