Summer Days on the Diamond

Softball in small towns across South Dakota has long been more than just a sport – it has served as a vibrant thread weaving the fabric of community life together. Sponsored by local businesses, these softball leagues not only provide recreational opportunities for players of all ages but also foster a strong sense of camaraderie and pride among residents. Local shops, diners, and agricultural businesses often contribute by funding teams, supplying equipment, or hosting post-game gatherings, creating a symbiotic relationship that bolsters both the sport and the local economy. Weekend games become lively social events where families and neighbors gather to cheer for their teams, share stories, and strengthen bonds, reinforcing a spirit of unity that defines many small-town experiences across the state. In this way, softball transcends the boundaries of a mere pastime, becoming a cherished tradition that brings people together and keeps the heart of these communities beating strong.

I started playing softball at the age of eight, clutching a large, well-worn hand-me-down glove which was much too big for my small hands, and proudly wearing my brother’s old baseball cap, which sat a little crooked but made me feel part of something bigger. That glove, with its faded leather and countless stories etched into every crease, was more than just equipment – it was a tangible piece of my family’s legacy. My three siblings had played before me, and now it was my turn to carry on the tradition, to step onto the field with the same determination and love for the game that had been passed down by our father. Every time I caught a ball or swung the bat, I felt a deep sense of pride, knowing I was not only developing my own skills but also honoring a family passion that connected us all.

Growing up in the 1970s, t-ball leagues simply weren’t part of the picture, so my introduction to softball was a bit more old-school – and a lot more challenging. Instead of teeing up a stationary ball, I had to learn how to hit a pitched softball, which seemed enormous to me, practically the size of my own head! At first, the oversized ball felt intimidating, making every swing a test of timing, focus, and sheer determination. But over time, facing that pitching honed my hand-eye coordination and built a kind of grit that only comes from practice and persistence. Looking back, it was this old-school beginning that taught me perseverance and adaptability.

One morning at the end of practice, our volunteer coach, a dedicated high school student, gathered the team for an inspiring moment that set the tone for the season. She handed out bright, new t-shirts emblazoned with the names of our generous sponsors proudly displayed on the back. This thoughtful gesture wasn't just about uniforms; it symbolized the strong community support behind our team and reminded us of the collective pride and encouragement fueling our efforts on the field. Wearing those shirts, we felt a renewed sense of motivation, knowing that so many people believed in us and were cheering us on from the sidelines. It was more than just a game; it was an opportunity to represent our town and show gratitude to the businesses and individuals who made our season possible.

Back then, instead of the snazzy baseball pants and specialized cleats, my teammates and I played in worn-out tennis shoes and jeans paired with our team shirts. To shield our eyes from the sun, we relied on hand-me-down caps from family or complementary hats from local gas stations and feed stores. This informal dress code reflected the relaxed attitude of the time and mirrored the grassroots character of our local softball league, where Midwestern thriftiness and practicality trumped any desire for formal uniforms. This unique combination of practicality and style not only showcased the sport’s working class culture but also vividly illustrated how softball was as much about community spirit and individuality as it was about the game itself.

Since I started school a year late, I was able to play softball before the other girls in my class. The experience proved both exciting and challenging, as being the youngest and the “baby” of the team added an unexpected twist to my experience. While my early start gave me a bit of an advantage in learning the basics and getting comfortable with the game, it meant I sat on the bench for most of my first season. Luckily, watching the older girls play the game fueled my determination to improve, pushing me to practice harder and absorb every piece of advice from coaches and teammates alike. Though I didn’t get much game time at first, being part of the team taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of supporting others, lessons that made those moments on the field all the more rewarding when they finally arrived.

Many of our parents grew up playing baseball or softball, which created a rich tradition of skill and passion that they passed down to us. This deep-rooted familiarity with the sport meant that my teammates were not just casual participants but genuinely talented and fiercely competitive on the field. From our early morning practices to spirited weekend games, the cumulative experience of parents who understood the nuances of softball elevated the quality of coaching and mentorship available to us. As a result, we developed strong fundamentals, strategic gameplay, and a winning mentality that made every match exciting and unpredictable. This vibrant softball culture made Ethan a standout place for youth sports, blending heritage and talent to create memorable and thrilling competitions season after season.

By the time I reached high school, I had earned my place as a starting left fielder and had developed into a decent batter, contributing consistently to my team’s offense. Hours of practice, countless batting drills, and a deep understanding of the game’s strategies had transformed my skills from raw potential into reliable talent. My ability to quickly get under fly balls and strong throws to the infield were crucial to shutting down opponents. At the plate, I had learned to read pitchers carefully, timing my swings to make solid contact and get on base. Thanks to the combined efforts of our dedicated team and our strong leadership, we dominated the season, easily winning most of our games and earning respect from rival teams and coaches alike.

One unforgettable year, our softball team faced the daunting challenge of competing against the larger town of Mitchell’s formidable A team, a squad renowned for their size, skill, and unwavering confidence. Under the inspiring leadership of Chris Belitz, our coach, who believed in every player's potential and instilled a relentless work ethic, we trained harder and smarter than ever before. Each practice was a test of our resolve, pushing us to improve our teamwork, strategy, and endurance. When game day finally arrived, every inning was a battle, with tension running high and every play met with fierce determination. Although we were considered the underdogs, our collective determination and the strategic direction provided by the coach led us to a well-earned victory. This achievement not only instilled a sense of pride but also reinforced the importance of self-belief in any situation.

In that same year, during a fiercely contested match against Plankinton, chaos erupted at the top of the ninth inning. With two outs and the score tied, I found myself manning third base instead of left field, eager to prove my worth. The batter hit a grounder to the shortstop, who promptly snatched it and threw it to me. As I leapt to make the catch, the runner slid hard toward third, lifting her foot to kick mine out from under me. The collision caused me to flip through the air and land on her head, resulting in the third out. Both of us sustained injuries that required immediate medical attention: I had a dislocated shoulder, and she suffered a mild concussion. Despite our injuries, we were determined to finish the game.

Bases were loaded and sharp pain radiated from my dislocated left shoulder, as I stepped to home plate. The crowd’s roar faded to a distant hum as I gritted my teeth, determined to contribute to the game that meant so much to all of us. Taking a deep breath, I firmly grasped the bat with my right hand, despite the persistent pain in my injured shoulder. With a controlled yet determined swing, I made contact with the ball, propelling it past the infield towards the boundary. Adrenaline coursed through me as my teammate sprinted towards home to secure a run and ultimately our victory. In that moment, the pain was overshadowed by our triumph.

As the final out was called and the crowd erupted in cheers, a flood of emotions washed over me – relief, pride, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. That day, I realized that softball was more than just a game or a family tradition; it was a test of courage, resilience, and heart. The pain in my shoulder would eventually heal, but the lessons I learned on that battered field – the power of perseverance, the strength found in unity, and the unspoken bond between teammates – would stay with me forever. Clutching my well-worn glove and straightening my crooked baseball cap, I knew that no matter where life took me, I would always carry this legacy and that spirit of determination with me, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.