For The Love Of The Game- I heart it.

GrandmaOnDeck has championed women's softball for 41 years by selling ads, running concession stands, providing transportation, keeping score, cooking dinner for teams and the beat goes on. Many ladies out there have had grandma's cookies over the years. I love to see the ladies play with such awesome skills. I love to go to ball parks and watch people like Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott "Bring it." I like to watch balls being launched, spectanfabulous catches, and speed on the bases and eating popcorn. I have watched many play ball through younger years, high school and the wonderful college years. I love the NPF Draft and the NPF games. At 82 I now get to ball games sometimes. But I am savvy with social media, keep up with the games, through radio talk shows, websites. Twitter, Facebook and more. I am still in there supporting by promoting softball on line..tweets, re tweets, and mentions. Posting and re posting Is a good thing for all of us. February is Women In History month and The opening of NCAA Softball season. I would like to salute those who pioneered the sport before us.

There are many women like Joan Joyce, who played before leagues were formed, and before Title IX. These coaches who brought teams forward to success because they played ball themselves and for the love of the game they became coaches and passed it forward. There are Coaches out there like Carol Hutchins of Michigan who has spent many years coaching the game and building character-that's what they do. Mike Candrea of Arizona, Sue Enquist former UCLA both have spent many hours doing the same and showed the world that the young players deserved an equal place on the playing field as the boys enjoy. It is hard for me to mention them all , but I know there are hundreds of you who have made an impact in the world of  Women's sports and I heart you for your efforts. Young Softball Ambassadors of now: Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott, Cat Osterman, Samantha Ricketts, Lea Amico and many others who took up the reins and are coaching, teaching and working in the sports world. Some went on to broadcast on national networks like Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Barbara Jordan to share the great experience of Women's Softball. Others are working as sports trainers and in sports management. And, I must not forget the women umpires, they have come a long way too.

Then I must mention The Commissioner and President, Cheri Kempf, National Pro Fastpitch League, a world cup pitcher and a former coach at Austin Peay. Gaye Lynn Wilson-Vice President of NPF development who coached at Daytona State College, University of Florida. They both are bringing The NPF into to the now with television, radio, newspaper and social media. Games are being played in better venues with a great increase in attendance.

To the young players, who want to be professional softball players, learn about the women in your sport who pioneered for equality an recognition, Know their their struggles, know their passions, and love for the game.

Here is the sight to read the history of the National Pro Fastpitch League and the accomplishments they earned. http://profastpitch.com/about/history/