No Day Like Any Other
Several twists, turns, and changes had to be endured by the coaches on the last home game day of the Softball Landesliga season before the call “Play Ball” was made at 16:13 at the Südallee.
“I’ve experienced quite a bit, but having to rewrite the lineup five times is a first for me,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr.
“This was essentially our last stand.”
The team had been plagued by sickness and injuries throughout the week and was, quite literally, running on fumes. Their opponent for the day, the Ennepetal Raccoons, also arrived at the away game in Düsseldorf with just the required minimum of nine players. The toll of the season was clearly evident on both sides.
“We had set some goals for ourselves, wanted to do better than we did against Jülich the previous week, where we weren’t bold enough at the plate and didn’t follow through with our plays. All of that worked much better today.”
Although the Ladies from Ennepetal took an early and clear lead, the Senators, led by their starting pitcher, refused to be shaken off and remained within striking distance throughout the game.
“What we saw from Katja today was truly top-class. She carried the team through this game, taking responsibility both in defense and offense.”
Four scoreless innings in 6 1/3 innings pitched are a testament to her strength on this day. The first earned run against her didn’t come until the seventh inning, when fatigue set in and, after two walks, she handed the ball to the relief pitcher.
Katja, undoubtedly the player of the day, was also the one who initiated the final out of what was certainly an exciting encounter. After moving from the circle to 3B, she ended the hard-fought softball game with a play to 1B, securing a 19-13 victory for the Ladies from Düsseldorf.
“The whole team showed great morale, gave it their all, and, despite the hot late summer temperatures, kept a cool head at all times. That was very impressive.”
When asked how he manages to prepare his team not just physically but also mentally, Frank Mohr responded:
“Actually, it’s pretty simple. Whenever I feel pressure or fear, I don’t like it, and for me, that has nothing to do with softball. So, what should the girls be afraid of? Making mistakes? Those are part of the game. Softball should be a joyful, relaxed sport that we share with people we like, in an environment where we feel safe and secure—no matter what happens. That’s how we approach every practice, every game, and every tough situation.”
On September 29, 2024, the Ladies will head to Neunkirchen, where they hope to finish the season with another win against the Nightmares.
