On behalf of our staff at Line Drive Softball, we’d like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures such as stepmoms, sisters, grandparents or even teachers, coaches and others who make a difference in other’s lives.

We encourage and invite young softball players to take a minute or two to say “thank you” where appropriate to the loving mothers and/or mother figures who serve as loving inspirations in their lives.

I was blessed to be raised by a wonderful mom, June Eads, who was one of the pillars of strength in my life and I will always treasure my relationship with her.

She passed away two years ago, and I greatly miss her—her smile and laugh which was the most beautiful music to my ears—but I have thousands of warm, wonderful memories that continue to make me smile to this day.

For example, I fondly remember her surprising my younger brother and me multiple times with chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven or other such treats when we got home from school (I blame those after-school treats for limiting my own athletic career and preventing me from becoming a pro athlete)!

In my 20 years in the softball space, I’ve seen some wonderful mother/daughter relationships in softball and it’s been beautiful to see the special bond that develops when a mom dedicates so much time, energy, effort and love to ensure her daughter’s needs are met and her confidence and self-esteem increased to promote success on and off the fields.

I remember the beautiful tribute current South Carolina Gamecock junior shortstop Brooke Blankenship sent me in 2018 when she was playing for the Tampa Mustangs organization… and I believe Brooke’s words apply to many mom/daughter relationships from the past and present.

Brooke wrote back then to her mother Kris:

Since I was nine-years old and started softball, my mom has supported me 100 percent—from washing uniforms to serving as my cheerleader, team mom, team cook, water girl and bus driver.

And she does it all with a smile on her face.

My mom has put what’s important to her second, so I can live out this dream of playing softball.

Happy Mother’s Day to my #1 fan… I love you!

So softball players, parents, coaches and anyone associated with our wonderful sport, please take the time today to express your love and appreciation to the mom and/or mother figure(s) who mean the world to you!

Have a great Mother’s Day, everyone…

Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball