As I have gotten older I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn many things, but some of the most important life-lessons I learn on the softball field. Softball has been a part of my life for eight years and during that time I have had many wonderful coaches who instilled in me fundamentals and principles of a good softball player. If I could sum up everything that I ever needed to know into a few short lines it would be in these fundamentals of softball: never throw the helmet, always run through the bag, and work hard and give a good effort.
             No matter how frustrated I get at the blooper just hit to the first basemen or the fly ball to the pitcher I must remember not to throw my helmet down. This lesson has not only been effective in softball, but also in life. It teaches that getting angry and having a bad attitude toward a mistake or failure only seeks to make the situation worse. If I put the helmet down and tell myself to do better next time it is easier to get over my mistake and get my head back into the game.
             Stopping short of the bag is one of the most common mistakes made in softball, and many times in life. The first basemen could drop the ball, a wild pitch could be thrown, or just a little extra effort given could be all that is needed to ensure my safety. No matter, the results will never be known unless I run through the bag. Learning to apply this fundamental helps lead to success not only in softball, but also in every aspect of life. Even if failure seems eminent remember never to give up on life's goals or challenges, keep striding towards them and eventually they will be reached.
             When I step onto the field, ready to play, I stop and realize that it was not only my talent, but also my hard work that got me where I am today. My dedication to this sport took me from bench warmer to a starting position. Although there are times when I do not believe I deserve the spot I continual...