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All the preliminary work had been done. The selling of raffle tickets, participating in hitting contests to raise money and other fund raisers were now in the past. With supportive parents along for the ride, my daughter Manteee and her high school team from Oakland, New Jersey had arrived in Disney to play in a showcase tournament. They did what they needed to do over the winter of 2006 to be here in Florida.
It’s the end of March, 2006. The first game was against a team from New York that we handled. Game two is what made the trip standout for me. We played the high school team from Livingston New Jersey. Livingston and Oakland are about 20-25 miles apart. So what, that we traveled 1500 miles to play each other.
I remember saying to myself. These girls from Livingston look pretty good. While they practiced I noticed how accurate and strong their throws were. They had a purpose the way they carried themselves. They looked real strong to me.
It is the top of the first inning and Livingston gets a few runners on base. And then there is a hot grounder right at my daughter. She makes an error and Livingston scores the first run of the game. Two batters later with the bases loaded for Livingston, another hot one is hit to my daughter with the same results as the previous ball hit to her. Manteee goes to her right and boots the ball.
As two runners crossed the plate I shifted my attention from my daughter to the coach. He was livid. The first inning ends with Livingston in front 3-0. This was the low point of the trip for my daughter. She did not play again in this game. The coach yanked her and had her sit the bench.
As I keep an eye on the game my thoughts were about Manteee. I looked into the dugout to make sure she is ok. I was usually blocked by a pole that stood between her and my sight. When I finally did see her, she appeared down and out. This was a low point of the trip.
Next game had different results. Back at her position at second base my Manteee seemed to be apprehensive at first. She lacked that air of confidence she so often plays with. She usually owns the field and her position. Her fears and concerns soon subsided. In the first inning another team from New Jersey hit two balls her way. She played them well and threw out both runners.
As the game moved on more balls were hit her way. A dozen chances at least. Maybe two or three tough plays had to be made. She handled all the plays and Indian Hills won the game.
After the game assistant coach Phil Lemenza said. “Sammi is my hero. After playing a horrible game she came back strong.” (My wife and I are the only ones that call her Manteee – everyone else calls her Sammi)
To say I am proud of her is an understatement. She fights; and never gives up. She is my hero. That’s why she is one of my top ten favorite players of all time.
Please pass this on to someone who you think would like it.
awallad
.
It’s the end of March, 2006. The first game was against a team from New York that we handled. Game two is what made the trip standout for me. We played the high school team from Livingston New Jersey. Livingston and Oakland are about 20-25 miles apart. So what, that we traveled 1500 miles to play each other.
I remember saying to myself. These girls from Livingston look pretty good. While they practiced I noticed how accurate and strong their throws were. They had a purpose the way they carried themselves. They looked real strong to me.
It is the top of the first inning and Livingston gets a few runners on base. And then there is a hot grounder right at my daughter. She makes an error and Livingston scores the first run of the game. Two batters later with the bases loaded for Livingston, another hot one is hit to my daughter with the same results as the previous ball hit to her. Manteee goes to her right and boots the ball.
As two runners crossed the plate I shifted my attention from my daughter to the coach. He was livid. The first inning ends with Livingston in front 3-0. This was the low point of the trip for my daughter. She did not play again in this game. The coach yanked her and had her sit the bench.
As I keep an eye on the game my thoughts were about Manteee. I looked into the dugout to make sure she is ok. I was usually blocked by a pole that stood between her and my sight. When I finally did see her, she appeared down and out. This was a low point of the trip.
Next game had different results. Back at her position at second base my Manteee seemed to be apprehensive at first. She lacked that air of confidence she so often plays with. She usually owns the field and her position. Her fears and concerns soon subsided. In the first inning another team from New Jersey hit two balls her way. She played them well and threw out both runners.
As the game moved on more balls were hit her way. A dozen chances at least. Maybe two or three tough plays had to be made. She handled all the plays and Indian Hills won the game.
After the game assistant coach Phil Lemenza said. “Sammi is my hero. After playing a horrible game she came back strong.” (My wife and I are the only ones that call her Manteee – everyone else calls her Sammi)
To say I am proud of her is an understatement. She fights; and never gives up. She is my hero. That’s why she is one of my top ten favorite players of all time.
Please pass this on to someone who you think would like it.
awallad
.
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