For Love of the Game

I don't think anyone would have guessed that our season would end the way that it did. We fought til the very end, playing an extra inning four hour game that resulted in the Riptide winning. It was a true battle, as the score went back and fourth and then finally ended at Force 2, Riptide 3. Although we were tied for fourth place with Rockford, it went to our record vs. the number one team, the Glory. We beat them once and Rockford beat them twice so they made playoffs and we didn't.

The Riptide definitely became our rivals as we played them sixteen times throughout the season. And the way they played the final game really made me lose a lot of respect for them. Running out on the field to celebrate an overturned call and waving goodbye to our team as the final out was made is just rude and completely unnecessary. I'm glad to be part of a team that has a lot more class and sportsmanship than that. It's disappointing that our season ended so abruptly, but I still think it was a success. We started off with a 1-6 record and no one in the league really expected much from us. We fought our way back up all season long and I believe that we had as good a chance as any team to win the whole thing.

The emotion in the locker room after the game was all over the place. We have several veterans on our team who don't really know if they will be returning next season. So to them, that could be the final game of their career. A few players spoke as well as the coaches, and nearly all of us were in tears. It truly was heartbreaking as every girl on our team plays for the love of the game.

It's hard to sum up my summer in the pros because I enjoyed every minute of it. I think my favorite softball experience was playing Team China. Learning about their culture and what softball means to them made me appreciate things a lot more. Outside of softball I would have to say that going to New York City was my favorite. I just wished we could have stayed longer. I will never forget the friends I made this summer and I am definitely playing again next summer! I hope everyone else comes back as well. Life in the bigs was amazing and I am especially going to miss Rookie Car.

Until then I will be starting my masters degree studying Project Management at Illinois State as well as working as a Graduate Assistant for Graphic Communications. I will continue to write emails and update my blog, so please let me know if you would still like to receive my updates. There is an article on my schools website about our season if you are interested.

FLOTG,
Stacy Birk #10+1