Softball Dreams

Championship

I went to the dugout and started stretching, until I heard one of the players from the Jaguars say, "Hey it's that Mexican pitcher. I'm surprised she even showed up, isn't she supposed to be making my produce." "Hey cut it out, Chanel," said one Chanel's teammates. "Why should I, Jennifer." "That's not good sportsmanship." "Sportsmanship, who cares about that, it's all about winning and we are going to win the championship and they are not the only ones going to Australia for summer vacation!" I ignored them and continued stretching. The game began. We wet out into the field first, so it means we bat last. So far so good. The first batter was up and it was that mean one Chanel. I pitched the first one and she swinged and hitted it, but it was a foul ball. Second pitch, BAM. Home run, WHAT. I shook it off and moved on to the next batter. Ha Shake it off, shake it off. Okay sorry well back to the game. The next batter was Jeniffer. I pitched to her and BAM. Another home run? Yep. Wow 2-0 already, the next three batters did home runs and I was doubting myself. Coach Jennings told me I was nervous and to forget about it. I was actually first at bat. I planted my feet at the dirt and waited for the pitch. First pitch, "Strike one!" I did the same thing again and "Strike two!" Can this umpire be any louder my gosh shut up. The last pitch was pitched and I hit it. It rolled to second base and got me out at first base. Next batter was Grace and she made a double. Meagan was next and she made a single. Nicole hit the ball and Angie too, they both made singles. Julia batted and she got striked out. Mary was next, she didn't hit it at all, striked out. Then, it was Hilary. Uhhh tampoco! She didn't hit it. Then everybody came into the dugout and went out to the field. About 40 minutes later, we were losing by three runs. Mrs Jennings gave us a pep talk, "Girls, we are not doing our best out there. C'mon think about family, grandparents, or your teammates. Do this for them and how much you appreciate them. Don't let them down no matter how long this game will takes." Everybody looked at each other and Sarah said "Hands in. One, two, three!" "PANTHERS!!!" we all yelled. I remembered my papa before his attitude, he used to say, "Try your hardest, and you won't fail mija." I used that as my motivation. It was the last inning and we were batting. Sara was up to bat, she smacked that ball and made a triple. Coach Jennings decided to put me later to bat and I was okay with it. All our batters made it to base and it was 7-10, bases loaded two outs, and it was my turn. Oh yeah I forgot to mention this, remember when I saw papa at Sports Authority and had a necklace. I found it in papa's box of money and had sticky note with it, it said, "For my mija, Michelle." I took the necklace and hid it from papa the whole time right after. I kissed the necklace and I walked to home plate. I planted my feet on the dirt like always and the first pitch came. "Strike one!" Alright I have to focus think about mama, Marisol, Juan, and..........papa. I focused on the ball and while the ball was coming all that was pounding through my head was "Try your hardest and you won't fail mija." I smacked the ball and HOME RUN!!! My team won the championship. "Michelle!" was all my team screamed. I came home with my family and we had a celebration dinner. Papa was confused to why we were all happy. I told him I did the winning home run, but he all said was, "Oh." He left to the bedroom and we all ignored, so we sat on the table waiting for mama to make her famous enchiladas. This was the greatest day of my life.