The last summer of travel ball

[afastpitchfanatic]

@Gunshy......It doesn't have to be the last out in Johnson City this year. Or does it?

[Turn two]

Bucket/Gunshy/Slapper

Not having softball is different, but very relaxing. Since DD and the remaining core of the Wizards deciding that last summer was the end, many people, myself included, wondered how I would handle my Summer.

I had a few texts last weekend while y'all were in Jasper to check and see how I was doing. While I miss the camraderie of the coaches, the actual X and O's of the game, and spending time with my daughter; I don't miss the travel to and from the tournaments; herding sheep (players); minding tourney brackets; watching other games; dealing with other parents; some umpires or some tournament directors who clearly don't know how to set up a double elimination bracket, etc.

It was nice and peaceful last weekend. I didn't have rain delays, I wasn't waiting on a game to get over so that our team could play the winner/loser. I wasn't in Jasper at 8:45 PM still coaching. This Summer I have time to go to concerts at Deercreek/Verizon/Klipsch. I am going to St. Marteen for a week with my family (including my DD who didn't play travel ball). It also helps that I got remarried in January, so my new bride helps me pass the time too

Long and short of it is, you'll miss it, but not as much as you think you will.

Brian

[slapperdad]

Oh, I've got some fishing equipment that's been collecting dust for several years.

[fastpitch fool]

Bucket Boy and Gunshy,

The good you two have done for girls softball in Indiana will continue years after you've coached your last game. Those of us who were lucky enough to coach with you and against you two have learned much...

Enjoy that last game and if you can, stay involved and help those who are now coaching in year one of their 11 year run...

You two can look in the mirror and feel great about what you've done for this sport...

Keep in touch,
Eric Johnson

[snoop]

fool,
You're right! These guys(plus killer) took me from banner BIT*H to team chef to a coach of a pretty good team for 6 years!! It's been a blast and i'm on board for a 10U grandkid team..... in about 10 years!!! wait, that's way to soon!! make it a few more!

[BigDaddy77]

So after the last out, of the last inning, of the last game, of the final weekend of coaching softball for 15 years, co-founder of the Indy Dreams Softball organization left his coaching shoes and hat on home plate of Borg Warner Field #1 in Decatur, IL and as he did so tears of both sadness and joy rolled down his cheek. Thank-You Brad Lewis for the hundreds of girls that you have helped achieve their "Dreams" of taking their game to the next level. Your legacy will live on through an organization that is known to be one of the top in our state. Thanks again so very much Brad!!!

[coolstuff]

Nice posts, everyone. This weekend will be the last travel ball tournament for DD. Nationals at Johnson City. Doesn't matter how they do, she's still a champion (and does have the plaque to prove it BTW). Got her signed up for classes at Anderson U. and she will be playing softball there. I'm glad she's going to a good college and will get a good education in a great environment, first, and getting the opportunity to keep playing ball, which is a distant second. Anderson isn't too far away that we can't go watch some games next spring. I'm already planning on those home projects that I've put off too long. My lawn will actually look like a lawn and not a meadow. Both girls will be off to college, so the house will be quieter, and cleaner.

This will also be my last post on heybucket. Good bye and good luck, all.

[jarhedz]

Bucket boy ,
Is your last name Lewis?? I ask that on a friendly note!!

[bucketboy]

Bucket boy ,
Is your last name Lewis?? I ask that on a friendly note!!

Yes it is. Bucketboy=Brad Lewis

Thanks to all for the kind words, emails and texts I have received over the past few weeks.

The decision to retire was difficult in some ways and easy in others to make. It has been a great ride since my dd was 5 and I was asked to help with her team.

That picture will be reprinted and framed and I will hang it proudly over my desk as a reminder of all the great things softball has provided over all these years.

Best of luck to all the teams going to Nationals and I will hope to see many of you at a ball park soon.

[jarhedz]

Bucketboy,
Thanks for all that you and your daughter have done for us. Your DD is who started my DD (Boomer) in pitching and I thank the both of you for that! Good luck in the future and enjoy your time to now relax!

jarhedz

Jessie Cornelius