Nov. 26, 2008
BELIZE CITY, Belize -
Hey Redbird fans! This is Kara Nelson, checking in from Belize.
Since we had a late night last night (Tuesday), we slept a little longer this morning (Wednesday) before getting up for breakfast, and what turned out to be a very exciting day four of our trip.
We got ready for the day and made our way to the field, where we used the weight room for a quick circuit and then had conditioning in the outfield. Next, we moved on to batting practice. During all of our practices, there have been spectators observing how we play our game. They made notes of the many different drills we do. Today (Wednesday), members of the Belize National Junior Men's Softball Team even helped us shag balls during batting practice! We got to know them not only as competitors, but companions, as well.
After practice, we headed back to the hotel for lunch, naps and some study time.
Our games tonight (Tuesday) were against the Belize Junior Men's National team and the Belize National team.
Game one was a nail bitter, going nine innings before we finally came out on top 6-5. Playing against the Belize National Junior Men' Softball Team was an experience we will never forget! Though the only difference in rules is the pitching distance (men pitch from 46 feet; women pitch from 43 feet) the game was played so much different. The men were so much faster, and it really changed the pace of the game. The game was really intense, and it was a lot of fun!
After an exhausting game one, we took the field for game two with the momentum and the same energy and enthusiasm from the first game, and defeated the Belize National Women's Softball Team, 9-0. We learned that in international softball, to intentionally walk a batter, all the pitcher has to do is tell the umpire; the pitcher doesn't even have to throw a pitch!
A few of the highlights from the games tonight (Tuesday) were two monstrous home runs! The first was in game one by Amber Smith, and the second in game two hit by Abby Olson. The fences on the field here are approximately 300 feet. To put the size of these home runs in perspective, the fences on our field at home are 190 feet down the lines, and 200 feet in dead center!
That's the update from today, and we have another busy day tomorrow!!
-Kara Nelson #5
