This Spring we signed our oldest daugther, HB, up for Spring T-Ball. It is a low pressure, high fun organization for both boys and girls ages 4-8 that teaches the basics of the sport. HB is learning the names of the bases, the names and locations of the positions, and how to creme the ball off of the t-stand. HB is one of only two girls playing t-ball out of 40 kids.As a 4 year-old I was dying to do anything that required wearing a uniform. My choices were Girl Scouts or Softball. Once assured that we could still buy girl scout cookies, particularly Thin Mints, even if I wasn't a Girl Scout - then I was all for playing Softball. I played through high school, even playing for intramural teams in my 20's. My husband and I still have our gloves and love to play catch, still.
HB is equally as excited to have a uniform which is really just a t-shirt. But she is psyched nonetheless. Her grandparents sent her a pink glove and ball for Christmas last year so she is every bit the girl in head-to-toe pink, but playing pretty darn good.
I hope to see more girls on the t-ball field. Besides learning the basics of the sport, they are learning something new, a new way to think, a new set of rules to follow for the sport. They are also learning how their body works, how to follow directions, how to hustle, and most importantly how to work as a team. Sports are a great experience for kids if you can find the right situation where they have fun regardless of how well they play, and learn something new.
At age four it is a total free-for-all. The entire defensive team runs to wherever the ball is hit. For example, HB was playing 1st base and the ball was hit to left field. No problem! She was there in a flash and the entire defense tackled the poor kid who was supposed to be playing left field. But they are having a blast, and it is the most fun to watch.
Girls in sports. This is 2010. Shouldn't the field be FULL of girls??
Oh, and her favorite thing? Being carried off of the field like a champion after practice is over :^)
