Curveball!

Life has handed me a curveball. I'm standing on the plate, bat in hand trying to figure out what exactly I am going to do. I have choices. I can stand here and get hit with the ball, I can put my bat down, pick up my ball and go home or I can watch the pitch and swing with all my might!

Today, I'm choosing to swing. I am choosing to swing because I am not a quitter. I am choosing to swing because I know my team is worth playing hard for. I am choosing to swing because I could be the player that saves the game. I am choosing to swing because I am tired of being hit by the ball. I am going to swing because this is what I've trained for.

I am no longer going to listen to the crowd in the stands who are cheering for the other team. No, today I am going to swing at the curveball because I am a good enough player. I know that the crowd can only see what the odds look like, but they don't know the heart of this player. The passion I have for this team. The crowd doesn't know how this team functions unlike any other team. That the dynamic on this team is not the same dynamic found on other teams. The crowd doesn't know that we have each others backs and that we believe in each and every player and their abilities. I am not listening to the crowd.

I am not looking at the statistics either! I don't care if the pitcher has the "triple crown" award and I have the worst batting average out there! My gut is telling me to swing. I'm standing on the plate with a death grip on my bat remembering the advice of Babe Ruth. Remembering that he said "never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" who better to listen to? I will not be defeated by fear. I will keep playing this game! Statistics mean nothing to this player!

I am not looking to the pitcher who remembers all the times he's hit me with his curveball. I am not going to back down, because this time maybe he'll be the one to stop pitching, maybe he'll be the one who controls his pitch and gets the ball right in my zone. I am looking the pitcher square in the eyes and know that he's got as much pressure riding on this game as I do. Besides, I know my team is hoping to sign this pitcher on for the upcoming season and I not only need to prove to him that our team is good enough to play for but that I will be a loyal team mate and committed to winning every game. The good thing about the pitcher throwing the ball is that I can hit back!

So, I've been hit with the curve ball but I'm standing up, dusting myself off and I'm ready to swing the bat.

I see a home run in my future and an MVP award! Go team!!!