Today, for the last time, I did one my favorite things that I do as the softball coach of the Putnam County Lady Midgets. About 5 years ago, I started having the graduating seniors write letters to the new player who will be wearing their number in the future. It’s just kind of a way to pass down the tradition of being a Lady Midget softball player. I take the letters and put them in their numbered bags, so they are there for the next season. Before I put them in the bags, I reread all of them. And every year, they bring tears to my eyes because of the memories I have of the players who wrote them. Not every player got to write the letter because we didn’t start the tradition until 5 years ago, but the memories are still there of every single one of the Putnam County Lady Midgets. They are memories I will cherish forever.

To all of the Putnam County Lady Midgets, past and present:

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for helping me fall in love with the game of softball. I have loved coaching PC Softball for the last 11 years because of you all. I know that your memories of the time you spent with me might not all be spectacular (although I hope

you have the same awesome memories that I do). I know I yelled at you. I know I pushed you. I know I had high expectations of all of you both on the field and off of it. I also know that I cared about you and wanted the absolute best for you. I hope you know that I always will. Just because my time as your coach is over, that doesn’t mean that my desire for you to grow, improve, and accomplish your absolute best changes. One of my goals as a coach is, at the end of your career, you would look back and say, “I would love to go back and play for him because it was some of the best times of my life.” I hope that I accomplished that. I also hope that you learned half as much from me as I’ve learned from you. I love all of you.

To the parents of all of the Putnam County Lady Midgets, past and present:

Thank you for allowing me to coach your daughters for the past 11 years. I have enjoyed watching them grow, learn, and become great young adults. I know that is because of you. I know that some of you might not have agreed with every decision I ever made and that’s okay. Just know, that I always cared about your daughter and wanted what was best for her life. And I always will. Although, I’m sure it took some time and many mistakes, I hope I became a coach that you didn’t mind your daughter playing for.

To the fans of the Putnam County Lady Midgets, past and present:

Thank you for all of the support. It didn’t matter if it was supporting us financially, filling the stands for a preseason jamboree or a district championship, you always had our backs and you were always there. Thank you for helping this program become and stay great through the years. I know this coach appreciated the atmosphere you brought to our games and allowed our players to experience.

To the 2021 Putnam County Lady Midgets:

I want to wish you the most sincere best of luck during your season next fall. Although there will be a few games that I will be in the opposite dugout, just know you will have an old coach that will always be pulling for you.

Signing off,

— Coach Fitz