It was almost like a miracle. The night before the scheduled game in Cincinnati, I was able to practice with the new players for the first time at Walter Fieldhouse. (Thanks to our recruiting assistant, Ben Driscoll) I'm writing this article after the Cincinnati game, but I can't stress enough the importance of team practice and effective coaching.
For two hours on Friday night, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, motivated and passionate new players met for the first time and instantly formed bonds. No one had played baseball before. Some had softball experience. But everyone's spirits were high and they were ready to learn a new sport.
First, we learned how to hold the ball, take backs, step, and use our wrists. Moving on to defensive practice, we decided on everyone's positions based on their throwing ability. I hit them fungos and managed to teach them how to make a double play!
During batting practice, players prepared for the pitching machine by learning how to hold a bat and how to hit soft-tossed balls. By the end of the night, everyone had come into contact with baseballs thrown by a machine.
It was a lot of fun coaching them baseball. I told them not to worry about not having experience. "Women have never been given the opportunity to play baseball since childhood. It's okay if it's your first time. It's not your fault. Our society failed to teach you."
I've been working hard for two years to build a team to play. I explained everything I could to prepare for the game the next day. I was very impressed with their steep learning curve as new players. And I knew they were going to have a great time on the field.