The Catch

The swing of the bat.  The crack of the ball,
She makes the catch and takes the fall.
She raises her and and reveals her glove,
Inside, is a gift from above.
She made that catch that won the game,
Teammates running and yelling her name.
They gather around, crying through the night,
Knowing how hard they had to fight.
It's not one person that makes the team,
But it's the whole team that makes the person. 

Do you remember?

Do you remember why you play?

Or has it been too long?
Is it because you've worked so hard?

Or is it because you love being part of the team?
Is it because you love the roar of the crowd?
Or the anxiety before a game?

Is it because you don't want to let anyone down,
Or yourself?
Is it because you love  the sound of a perfect hit?
Or because you'd rather be on the field
Than anywhere else in the world?

Somewhere between the athlete you've become,
And the long hours of practice,
And the coaches who pushed you,
And the teammates who believe in you,
And the fans who cheer for you,
Is the little girl who first picked up the ball,
Who fell in love with the game and never looked back.

That is why you play.