What our country can learn from Lisbon Softball-

Yesterday, the scrappy little crew of Lisbon Softball won a convincing game against an opponent who, just about two weeks ago, served them a big loss. This might not seem noteworthy, but it is, to me. The weather was both drizzly and chilly, the game was on the opponent's field, and the kids involved had witnessed a realistic re-enactment of a fatal car crash and its aftermath at school, as part of a "don't do this" program. Two of the players were actors in this event, as well. It was not a regular school day, to be sure.

They won. They were resilient. They played hard and well. This team has not had the "usual" progression of learning from little kid softball, through middle school, to high school/varsity. Pandemic protocols curtailed seasons, there has been very little consistent development training available to them, and some of them really don't even care all that much about softball-- they play for the social aspects (which is fine). 

People wonder why we still fund sports in schools, with budgets being as tight as they are. There's a lot to be gained from playing sports, beyond just the physical fitness part of things. None of these kids are going to "go pro"-- few, if any, will even decide to try out for a college team. They may choose to play some adult "beer league" softball when they are older, or help a tee ball team later on. But isn't that the point? Continuing a legacy of community involvement and helping the next generation? There are lessons about working as a team, pushing through adversity, etc. to be gained as well, but I think the biggest lesson is building a sense of community. We rarely get to choose the people we live next to in a town, but we are expected to figure out how to co-exist peaceably, to accept each others talents and weaknesses, and to find common ground. To negotiate for the greater good, and not burn the whole dang thing down over personal issues.

Ah, there it is. Preserving and passing down something enjoyable and useful to the next generation, and learning how to get along with the people who live next door. Wouldn't our country --the world-- be a better place to live if we could all figure out how to play as a team?

Play ball!

C