The Osbornes

As I write this this morning, I’m reminded of a popular saying, “Have Bags-Will Travel,” as I am packing my bags to travel to North Myrtle Beach for a Travel Softball Tournament this weekend!!! I don’t even know where to begin to pen down what it means to me to be a “Softball Dad.” I absolutely cherish every moment that I am Blessed to be able to be a “Bleacher Bum” and cheer on my Morgan! From T-ball to School Ball, to Travel Ball, she has drug this Old Man All over the place, and I’ve Loved Every Mile❤️ So many lessons and experiences for us Both!

     As I look back, it’s hard for me to believe that her Softball career is probably at the halfway mark. It’s been a fun ride so far, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds?!! I am just Thankful and Blessed to be able to be her Biggest Fan!!!🙏❤️ As she has accumulated a room full of trophies, rings, and medals, my biggest reward is having a Lifetime of Memories made with my Daughter on a “Dirty Ole Diamond”!!! ❤️❤️🥎🥎

  When you decide to take on a project the size of this one, there is no way to know how many people will choose to get involved. One of the folks that played a role in June 13, 2015 was Craig Worrell, who at the time coveted High School sports for the newspaper 📰 located in Galax.

  The old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words might have been created with Craig in mind. The Galax Gazette was home to his efforts for an entire generation and the residents of Carroll County were blessed to have him !

  The Worrell Brothers ( but No, not really), were a fixture in regards to The Hill. Allen Worrell ( no relation) at The Carroll News was also in Lynchburg back in 2015 and coverage was also available in the Roanoke Times and the Washington Post. Craig Worrell is to photography what the Steve Miller Band is to Classic Rock 🎸, in that the work is something that brings a smile to peoples faces.

Thank You Craig Worrell 🙏. Much more to be included down the road…

Thank You Sir !

Tiffanie and Tracy Moore

 

  Before I get into my Father and Daughter Softball connection with out youngest of our five Children, Rebecca, I want to touch on why the Father – Daughter dynamic is such a huge part of the game of Softball.

  The core group of Men that create the circle around Alan Knight and his Lady Panthers Softball program have one thing in common – they raised daughters that played for Page County High School. Dennis Zimmerman, Big Daddy and Arthur Campbell are three examples of folks that maintain their bond with the program long after their daughters graduate 🎓.

Tracy Moore is someone who has both a next level relationship with his daughter and the ability to put it into words. Here is a message he created a couple of years back as Tiff was celebrating a Birthday.

  The goal behind documentation of a 40+ year relationship with the game of Softball is to give people a reason to smile as they reminis about what the time they spent with their children as they group up was all about.

From the first pair of cleats, the first ball glove and the first Bat. There is no restriction here to just the Dads from June 13, 2015, as any Proud Papa that has been part of this journey can join in.

Like everything else in life, not everyone is comfortable with pouring out their emotions. But if you have a thought process about Fathers and Daughters in regards to Softball, I would love 💘 to read it.

Thank You to Mr. Moore for raising such an Amazing daughter and for sharing an afternoon in your home.

There was a stretch in the history of Page County High School Softball where the visiting team stepped off the bus 🚌 and where willing to accept defeat. Maybe if they played well, they could go the distance and not getting run ruled by the Lady Panthers.

  Home field varies from sport to sport and is relevant at every level. High School, College and in the Pros. Teams play their entire season with the goal of playing in their home digs.

Having the name Alan F Knight Field on the park in Shenandoah, adds to the thought process for visiting teams. How good does a program have to be for an active Coach to have his or her name on it ?

Protect your home diamond 💎 and take great pride in doing so. Come to the park with the thought process of, ” Not in my House “.  If one can find that mindset as a team at home,, it will transition to the days  when its your turn to ride the bus 🚌.

One thing that has changed over the past decade is the number of opportunities for a potential Softball player to do in the springtime. Coaches are now competing with Tennis, Track 👣, Girls JV Soccer and Varsity Soccer ➕ the option of just chilling out with friends.

We will look closely 👀 at the home records during the 2015 season for both teams and look at the mindset of the players involved in regards to defendin your Park.