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More Than A Game: It’s Just About… Life

June 10, 2014 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

They say it’s only a game. Except they are wrong.

On one sun-kissed Saturday afternoon I watched the girl I love, play the game I love and strike out a batter with the bases loaded, then run off the field with a smile brighter than that sun.

emily pitching 2014

Don’t tell me it’s just a game.

Emily was part of a team named Wolfpack. And because of these 13 girls, for nearly the past three months of my life, I got to experience what it’s like to live just a little bit more.

I’ve coached in the Lutherville-Timonium Rec Girls Softball League for five years now, but this year was a little different. This year we came within one game of going to the Championship. More importantly this year, I watched a group of 11-13 year-old girls play their hearts out, cheer their hearts out, and in the process make a lot of hearts just a little bit bigger.

wolfpack

Me & the “Pack” (Coach Greg had to miss picture day)

Don’t tell me it’s just a game.

I’m sure if you ask my other coach Greg Kallaur, he would say the same. These girls are special. From the moment I watched them play catch at our first practice, then drive softballs all over the field, you knew it would be different. These girls knew how to play. From the very first game, when they all started chanting, clapping, singing and cheering each other on, you knew it would be different.

We started off with a bang, winning our first game of the season in formidable fashion and I thought it might be easy. But this is softball and nothing is easy, it’s not supposed to be. We had ups and downs during the course of the season, a bunch of rainouts and make-up games, but one thing stayed the same, these girls came to play and loved being a team. I loved watching them. I loved working out the line-ups, I loved hearing them chant, I loved watching them hit, field and flourish. Because in the end game that’s what it’s really all about. These young ladies are still just that, young, just about to be, or already in their early teens and still finding their way in the world. There might be nothing like being part of a team to help ground you, help you grow and help you know that life will be just like this, if you want to accomplish great things in life, your dream will need a team.

wolfpack 5

Coach Greg & the “Pack”

The Wolfpack did great things. They got hot at the end of the season and rolled on into the playoffs. Five days ago I coached a see-saw game that saw our opposition score a crucial run in the top of the seventh-inning (we only play 7) and tie the game. Except we were the home team. And in our final at bat, and with a runner on 3rd, our 3rd baseman Stephanie hit a shot up the middle so perfect I can still see it in my mind, whistling through the air and landing in the outfield. A walk-off win. That game was so exciting and that hit was so good and so clean the umpire from that game was still talking about it last night, three days after it happened, as we prepared for our semi-final round.

So many of the girls had big moments. Our normal shortstop Abbi, taking a turn in right field and snagging a hard-hit line drive.  Our first baseman Rebecca, stretching out to snatch another throw. Ellie, who stepped up one day to catch 7 straight innings of a game. Audrey hitting a triple to clear the bases. Julia sliding into second base in a big, big game. Emma, Erin and Anne Marie coming into their own and getting huge base hits at crucial moments. Becca stepping up and hitting a scorching line drive down the left field line in our semi-final game, her biggest hit of the season. Alexandra, pitching three straight innings in what turned out to be our final victory and our biggest win of the year (more on that in just a moment). And then Corinne, our #1 draft pick. What a force. She opened nearly ever game on the mound and then closed it out in similar fashion. And to watch her swing a bat, it’s poetry in motion.

Don’t tell me it’s just a game.

Our season ended last night in the semi-final round, one game away from the Championship. It’s sad, but it’s OK. Because it wasn’t really our biggest game of the year. No, that one came the day before, when we faced the Gators, the team with the best record in the league. We had a mediocre record, finishing in 7th place out of 10 teams. But remember, we got hot in the playoffs. And on paper this looked like the biggest mismatch of the post-season. But that’s why you play the game.

wolfpack 3

They say in sports when you are the underdog, all you ask for is an opportunity. The Wolfpack took advantage of every opportunity and we won it, in convincing fashion, with a courageous extended pitching performance from Alexandra in the middle innings. And then players and a big crowd of their enthusiastic parents looked on as Corinne shut down the Gators in their final at-bat, catching a pop-up just off the mound to end it.

Time to rush the field. Time to relish in the excitement that can only come from the feeling of David beating Goliath.

wolfpack 4

Don’t tell me it’s just a game.

To the Wolfpack, the girls, their parents, who helped out in so many ways, from warming up pitchers, to assisting in practices, to keeping score, to so many of them showing up in support of their daughters, it’s a season I won’t ever forget. Many of the girls will move up to a new age bracket next year, so the team won’t be the same, it never is. But that’s OK. Don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened. We happened. Thank you Wolfpack, thank you.

wolfpack 2

And thank you to my daughter Emily.  I helped give you life and you enrich mine every day, watching you on that field, and those one-to-one car rides to and from practices, are truly some of the great joys of my life.  It’s you who helps make me feel like a winner every day.

Don’t tell me it’s just a game.

 

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Financial Services

The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story

www.spouses-story.com, www.amazon.com/author/markbrodinsky

Sign up for the blog. E-mail me at markbrodinsky@gmail.com. If you like this blog, please share across social media.

Thank you, Mark

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Mariah says

    June 10, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Thanks, Mark for this blog. It was a fantastic season, I loved every minute of it with the Wolfpack. Even on the cold and rainy days! Thank you to you and Greg for taking time out of your very busy lives to coach our daughters all the way to the semifinals. Our family looked forward to the games and will miss seeing everyone on a regular basis. Abbi will remain in the 11-13 league for one more season, she’d love to come back and play for you again!

    Mariah

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      June 10, 2014 at 7:45 pm

      Thank you Mariah. Emily will be back in 11-13 as well, so I will try to get Abbi back on the team. What a great shortstop and great competitor.
      Thank you again for allowing us to coach her.

      Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

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There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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