Friday, May 24, 2013

Intense Softball Fathers

Intense softball fathers grimace and growl. They walk in circles, blurting obscenities after their daughter has struck out. Make fists, pound bleachers, glare at umpires. They look down at the ground sorrowfully, as though their business has failed.
Softball is very important in their family. Somewhere in the back of their minds they are convinced their child is scholarship material. Every victory translates into dollars saved. The truth is only softball pitchers get these free rides. They and very large young women who can crush the ball. These girls are not very big and drop popups, fumble ground balls and get thrown out on the bases. Whichever side has the most intense softball fathers usually wins. Softball mothers grit their teeth and moan. Some may shout encouragement. They have their hair done, wear stylish shorts and flip flops, look around to find another softball mom. This is their life now.
One would hope intense softball parents would not withhold food from their child if they lost. One would hope.

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