"Throw your hands in the air, if youse a true player "

I have been playing softball since I was in 6th grade, and have always played pitcher- the person who throws the ball to the batter. My school in Poland would pick a traveling team to be able to go to different countries and compete against different schools. I have been to Turkey, Russia, Romania, Czech Republic and Austria in order to compete and represent my home team.

The sound of cleats on the pavement, that leads to the softball field bumps your adrenaline level. A warm up tour around the field, with your whole team, creates team spirit. Warming up with the ball on the field, getting your hand settled into your leather over-sized glove. Stretching together; legs, arms, neck. After about an hour and a half of playing, walking off with red sand marks over your ridiculously démodé high waisted pants. It's all worth it.

Many people say this game is boring, and doesn't involve loads of physical effort. Negatory. Softball is not only a physical game, but also much of a mind game. My role as a softball (underhand) pitcher is to lead my team, and make sure that I can make a proper pitch to the batter, to either strike them out or let them hit. I also cooperate with the catcher, who should make sure whenever there is a person running towards the last base, that she can be on the base with the ball before the runner and get them out. What I love about this game, besides being able to put all your anger into your swing at the ball, is the group effort. We each have a responsibility on the field, and we all live up to it, if one fails to do so, then your team players help you out. The amount of concentration you need in this game breaks brains. People cheering, stress, tiredness, weather conditions, they all pile up and regardless of that, you still need to perform.

The actual pitch to the plate where the batter stands, involves a combination of skill and practice. You need to create a certain routine, so that every time you get to hit the plate, which is about 10 meters away from you. The angle you throw in, the spin you put to it, the amount of speed, steps and force, and the way the batter stands all play a role in order to get a good pitch. 3 strikes on the home base, or 3 swings without the batter being able to run means they are out. Steeee-rike!

I find the pitch to be graceful; the way you finish with your hand, just after throwing the ball- up in the air, almost in ballerina stand, as well as your feet- one pointed as sharp as a pencil.

Ballerina or softball player, find grace in the most unexpected places and it'll be magical!