All-Star Softball Summer Fun

The first six weeks of our summer was a new chapter in the softball experience for us. Since the girls began playing softball back in San Mateo they have both wanted to play All-Stars. The first season in San Mateo Kali did try out but wasn't selected. After that we always had vacations and other activities planned well in advance and could not commit to the grueling All-Star schedule. Last summer both girls laid down the law - do not plan any vacations until we know the All-Star schedule because we want to play. Of course, in the meantime Kali moved on to tournament ball and would no longer be eligible for All-Stars, but Melia was on a mission!

So, with the goal of becoming an All-Star Melia led her team to a 13-1 season and 1st place in the league for the 12U division. As the star pitcher she went 9-1 overall and was backed up by two other great pitchers on the team, Emily & Carly. The rest of the team also contributed with great defense and hitting and five of the players all made the All-Star team. Joined by five girls from our friendly rival team (from last year's Winterball league), the Crushers, and five other players from various teams, fifteen girls from Elk Grove's 12U division set out under the direction of Coach Paul (with Duane and me, Emily's Dad Jason and Jessica's Dad Russ supporting) to take on the regions competing All-Star teams.

The highlight of the All-Star experience was the 8 inning game that Melia pitched against the Cordova team. She went the entire game (the 8th inning being an extra) to win our first game of the NorCal All-Star Tournament on July 5, 2008. The Elk Grove All-Stars handed Cordova their first loss of the tournament in a 6-4 win. Melia was cool as a cucumber while the Cordova coach nearly exploded out of his skin at being handed an 0-1 start to the tournament.

The northern California wildfires made the entire tournament season (practices and games) much harder than normal in the typical 100 degree plus heat of June/July in the Sacramento Valley. One prep tournament was postponed until after the 4th of July holiday weekend and ultimately we did miss that tournament due to our family vacation plans (yes, I did plan a vacation after all).

To begin every game the team gathers for a moment of silent meditation while they think of the word "chicken wing". (It's a 12-13 year old thing, don't try to figure it out.)