Learning As I Go: Sportsmanship and Dirt

I am not big on competition. I am usually the one that feels more bad for the team who loses than happy for the team who wins.

(I do know that conversations, car rides and overnight stays with Jordyn following softball games are much more pleasant when her team has won.)

But, what I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing is Jordyn grow as a player over the years.

I remember when I first met her at six years old... she was a good player -- hitting, fielding, pitching -- but her attitude and sportsmanship was... well, in need of some work.

But let's be honest. It's hard as an adult to handle pressure and disappointment...

so for a six-year-old? Yeah, it's tough.

(Jordyn was picked up by another team, the Sioux Falls Flash, to play in a tournament 4th of July weekend... hence the different uniform!)

Today, at 16, Jordyn has great sportsmanship.

She has found that delicate balance --

the drive and determination to win,

and the accepting attitude that comes along with loss.

She's got a lot going for her...

and I can't wait to see where softball takes her!

* * * * *

Though Carter loves his big sister, I don't think it's necessarily her softball-playing that draws him to the field.

I think it's the dirt.

I mean, with all the dirt just laying around, what's a 4-year-old boy to do but sprinkle himself with it?

Carter has also become a big fan of ball retrieval. The moment a ball is hit outside the fence, he's scanning the crowd to see if there are any other kids he's going to have to out-run to make it to the ball first.

And when there's a lull in the game, shouting "Blue!" and tossing the ball over the fence to the umpire... well, it doesn't get much better than that.