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 three 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.

I love how the athletes we cover are so expressive in their adoration for their moms.

Reagan “Peanut “Schmitz, a sophomore middle infielder and outfielder from Lebanon, Tenn., says this of her mother, April Schmitz:

“She has been there for me no matter what, whether it be showing up to my games or taking me to practices. My mom has given up so much for me to continue to play the game I love. She has missed so many events she has wanted to go but went to my games instead.”

“Mom is the person who always remembers the smallest things and has the biggest heart I know. I love you and thank you for everything!”

London Howell, a sophomore infielder from Woodstock, Ga., gives similarly loving feels for her stepmother, Mandi Howell:

“Hey Mandi, thank you for everything you do for our family! I am so grateful to have you in our life. Have the most amazing day, love you!!

And, on a personal note, I want to share how wonderful a mother my wife, Shannon Eads, is. I’ve never seen a mother who talks or texts her children almost daily as she does.

And, not surprisingly, she is close to all of them and they truly love their mother.

I’ll finish with a beautiful children’s song I love because it expresses these sentiments so sweetly:

The Ones Who Mother Me

Song by Angie Killian and Bravely Gray ‧ 2024

It’s the little things you do and the big ways you care
It’s the simple things you say and the warmth that you share
It’s the smile when you’re near me and kind ways you hear me
That show me you will be there

My world’s a little brighter because of your love
I reach a little higher when you lift me up
You show me who I am and what I can be
Oh, thank you, thank you to the ones who mother me

It’s the quiet ways you serve that teach me how to give
It’s the courage in your heart that shows me how to live
And your light is a reason that I follow Jesus
You help me find joy in Him.

My world’s a little brighter because of your love
I reach a little higher when you lift me up
You show me who I am and what I can be
Oh, thank you, thank you to the ones who mother me

I have angels in Heaven
Who help and bless me, too
And I have a little Heaven on Earth
Because God created you

My world’s a little brighter because of your love
I reach a little higher when you lift me up
You show me who I am and what I can be
Oh, thank you, thank you to the ones who mother me

To the ones who mother me

Have a great Mother’s Day, everyone…

Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball