To the sport that built me, I owe you a thank you.

You took the shy, awkward six year old that I was and transformed me into a powerful, self driven athlete. Thirteen years later, I walked away from you, but there is not a day that goes by where I don't wish I could field one more ground ball, make one more play at the plate, have one more at bat, or pick the dirt out of the raspberries on my knees just one more time.

As the chants that we sang in 10U turned into weird noises and loud screams for our teammates, by the time we were done with 18U, the love I had for you only grew deeper. Every memory burns in my mind, from the feeling of the bat as I hit my third homer of the day to the tears I shed after we lost in the state semi finals my junior year. Each memory is instilled into my skin, and I can still feel every catch in the outfield and every slide home. Every. Single. Bit.

I loved to be at every practice, no matter how cold it was and how much I said I wanted to go home. I counted down the days until high school season began, because how could I not be excited to chase a state title alongside my best friends? When high school season was over, it was time to focus on travel season, which brought priceless memories made between girls from all over the area and in places you'd never think to visit voluntarily. I wouldn't trade the awful tan lines, bruised legs, sore shoulders and dirty uniforms for anything, but I would do anything to have them all back.

I want you to know that walking away from you was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Ask my friends and family -- I still cry to this day over it. But I also want you to know that I will be instilling the love I have for you into the hearts of girls younger than I am this summer as I start my coaching career.

The lessons you have taught me go far beyond the foul poles and the dug out. They exceed the limits of a full count or which pitch combination to expect at my next at bat. They are far more than when to hook slide or when to delay steal. They go into how to have good character and face adversity. They dive into how I need to carry myself when the cards aren't in my favor and how to give everything I have in what I do, because there's strictly no point in doing something without your whole heart. You've shown me the extent of a parent's dedication and how I will give the same dedication to my children. You've showed me that loving something isn't always easy, but always worth it.

You've given me far more than I could have ever expected, and for that, I am eternally indebted to you.

Thank you for the best days (and plays) of my life.

Sincerely,

A Washed Up Utility Player