I miss you.

The smell of fresh cut grass, the feel of pitching on a freshly groomed rubber, the dew on a ball after it hits the outfield in an early morning game... I miss it all.

You've taught me so much. There were many times that I became frustrated with you. Losing games in the bottom of the 7th inning, breaking my ankle pitching on a bad mound, striking out in a clutch moment.... I wanted to quit.

But you kept drawing me in. Because for every sad moment of defeat, there was also a moment of glory. I will never forget the feeling of the seams of the ball coming off my fingers. I will never forget the games I won, the bases I stole, the fly balls I caught, the double plays I turned, the home runs I hit.

I will not forget you. For you are my love. The scars I carry are because of you. The happiness and joy I experienced in my younger life was because of you.

Some say you're just a game. But, you're so much more than that.

Sincerely,

That little pitcher who fell in love with you when she was eight