This weekend, Peanut’s U10C softball team played a Father’s Day tournament in town. We went 2-1 in pool play, coming up against a hard to hit pitcher. Kids got to go home, regroup, and head back to the fields Sunday morning (Happy Father’s Day, to all the dads!) We won the first game in bracket play.

Then came the semis. We typically get 3 innings in one game. Our pitchers, catchers are still learning so it’s not the fastest pace game, but they play hard for those three innings. The team we played was evenly matched, and we were just barely ahead by the end of the third, but we had enough time to play one more inning. We gave up all five runs to get behind so we had to fight back. We tied up the game and went into extra innings. Twice. By the end of the game, we lost by two (tying run on second).

Our kids left their hearts, souls, and maybe a few tears on the field. They had played the equivalent of two games and came out just short.

There are not much worse ways to lose. The question is, how do you lose with class? I think the coaches and players did (as did the parents). The coaches and players cleared the bench to allow the next teams to get on the field. I didn’t hear badmouthing of the other team or the umpire. Although we’d been kidding as parents that there’s no crying in baseball, our kiddos shed a few. The coach told them it was okay to cry, and to come back out and play hard Tuesday. Coach said he’d never been part of such a close and good game, and he was proud of our players.

As a parent, there’s not much worse than watching your kid hurt, and knowing that there’s nothing you can do about it. Our kiddos hurt yesterday afternoon, but they should hold their heads high. And while I much more would have rather them have to learn to win with class, these lessons are valuable. It’s one of the reasons we send them out to play sports. NOT to have their heart broken, but to learn that you can come back and play again. Losing doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t make  you a loser. How you respond is the the definition of your character.

Did  you play hard and fair? (check). Did you do your best today? (check). Did you leave it all on the field? (check) Did you have fun with  your teammates? (check). Did you treat the other team with respect and wish them good luck or good game? (check) Did you hustle on and off the field? (check) Did you call the game stupid or throw your bat or helmet? (nope) Did you say “never playing again” (nope). Did you take a bit to be sad, and say “I want to do better”? (check)

My daughter and her teammates are learning to work. They played their hearts out, kept their passion but didn’t lose their tempers. They held each other up and cheered each other on!

This team has already exceeded my expectations and I’m excited for their next tournament. I’ll be gone thanks to a trip to Scotland for work. So I’m hopeful someone will take pictures, and someone will provide updates. I’m hopeful my kid does her best and has fun. And that team continues to support each other!

Note: All pictures from the fabulous Nicole Lacoste at NicoleLacostephotography, used with permission. https://www.facebook.com/shakopeephotography/