It is even more shocking when it strikes so close to home. Though I did not personally know the girl, I am familiar with the team, her schools, and some members of her extended family. Friday afternoon I am scheduled to call my first game in her team's first annual "friendly" tournament. A tournament, which you can read about, has been renamed to honor the young lady.
Despite the shock, the visitations, and the memorial service, the tournament will be played. For that is what this girl, and her extended family are all about - playing softball. Her grandfather, after 58 years of ball, still plays fastpitch. Her aunts and uncles and mother all play. Within the family are AD's and coaches. Softball is their life.
It will be a tough weekend for everyone involved, including the umpires. But the tournament will go on as a celebration of the girl's and her families love for softball.
WMB
Grand Rapids Press story: http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/in...380.xml&coll=6