Today we honor those “softball dads” who can wear many hats in addition to their paternal roles: coach, counselor, chauffeur, medic, patient listener and much more. In behalf of the fathers (or “father figures”) who can play such an important role in a young person’s life, we take time to honor them today.
Earlier this week, we asked softball players nationwide if they would like to pay tribute on Father’s Day; here are some of their sincere and touching dedications….
*****
Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Brian Harris!
Every day since I turned 8-years-old, he has supported me and being my best critic to help me grow and be the player I am today. Over the last several years, I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my softball career. My father has pushed me through all levels of success and failure to help me grow to the ball player I am today.
I, Nikki Harris, contribute my biggest success of softball to my father, committing to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. His push, not only as a coach but as a father, created the “new me!”
Thank you, Dad, for making me who I am and teaching me so many more lessons I could have ever imagined. With my upcoming season in the graduating Class of 2023, it feels like time has flown by even faster than what others explained to me.
I have 5 more seasons of my softball career to enjoy with you and our family. I will cherish those years all the way to the end. Thank you, Dad…. Nikki #00.
Nikki Harris, Class of 2023
To her father, Brian Harris
Georgia Impact Premier
Flowery Branch, Georgia
*****
Kadey McKay’s video tribute:
*****
Happy Father’s Day to my dad & coach!
We started this travel softball journey together at 9-years-old and now, at 15 and you still coaching me, I realize how blessed I am to learn and grow alongside you. You take on a team of basically 12 other daughters every year and every year you get more excited, never skip a beat, or take a day off.
You give all that you have to our team and this sport and—because of you and the passion you have—I also have come to love this sport more than I could have ever imagined!
Being a “coach’s daughter” is no easy task but I know I AM WHO I AM BECAUSE OF YOU! A passion-driven, softball-loving, hard-working, dedicated teammate and friend.
Thank you, Dad, for helping me reach my goals, never giving up on any of us, and believing in my dreams! I love you Dad.
Jalese Hays, Class of 2025
To her father, Josh Hays
Dirt Devils 07
New Lennox, Ill.
******
We started a softball journey together when I was just 5-years-old playing “T” ball. My dad was so proud of me because I was the only player not chasing the butterflies but chasing each ball on the field.
Now look at us, in 16U and chasing my dreams… together.
I am so thankful for my dad; through the years, he pushed me to challenge my limits and work hard in everything I do. He is my biggest fan. He watched me be in situations that were outside of my comfort zone and has always been so proud of my accomplishments shaping me into the player and person I am today.
Our car rides to games and hype music are the best memories we will always share. Thank you, Dad, for always believing in me.
I love you mostest! “Ball out!”
Your Mini,
Leilani Bustamante, Class of 2024
To her father, Chris Bustamante
Athletics Mercado AMA
San Bernardino, Calif.
*****
I would not be playing softball without my dad and I will forever be so thankful for that alone, but he also gave me my wonderful sense of humor, my amazing cooking skills, my social personality, and my desire to strive to always be getting better at something!
My dad works so hard for me to be on this team and I really never give him a break. As soon as he gets home from work, we go to the cages to hit plus I have hitting lessons in Knoxville and defense lessons in Chattanooga every week.
But he always says he doesn’t care because he wants me to be the best version of myself. By this, he means in softball, school, friendships, and church.
My dad shows me how to be a balanced Christian. We usually can’t make it to church on Sundays because of practice or tournaments so we try to incorporate into our weekdays. He truly makes me a better person.
Allison Farnsworth, Class of 2025
To her father, Derek Farnsworth
Lady Dukes National 14U – Lamar 2025
Cleveland, Tenn,
*****
Jayden Heavener video tribute:
*****
To my dad:
I want to thank you for being the best #GirlDad I could ever ask for.
Our softball journey is one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. You have been my biggest supporter and always want the best for me. You are there for me through all the ups and downs and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without all the times you went out in the yard and caught for me on the bucket.
Thank you for teaching me how to work hard to reach my goals and for helping me get my degree.
Love ya Dad,
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Bean, Grad Student
To her father, K.C. Bean
Central Michigan University Chippewas
*****
This is special, a shout out to this extra special guy, OUR DAD, John Hewitt!
It’s his humble approach and respect for the game; it’s his commitment to making all of (“his girls”) better by coaching them to be amazing young women; it’s his dedication to East Nicolaus High School and Sorcerer Gabales Gold.
There’s so much to be said about our dad, who has become a father figure, mentor, and coach to so many over the years.
He doesn’t like a title, expect recognition, and will shy away from any accolades, attention, and awards because, like so many, he coaches because he loves creating a happy and safe place for young ladies to compete and live out their passion.
Throughout the years, we’ve had a unique and extra special experience because of our Dad. Although he started coaching us at the 10U age, our most memorable times with him were competing for over four years together as a trio on the Sorcerer and Spartans.
We’re beyond blessed that he’s taught us about victory and defeat, competition and commitment and—through sacrifice—he has enabled us to pursue our dreams.
However, we’re most grateful for his moral and ethical conviction as he raises us to be loyal and bold contributing young adults in our home and community!
CHEERS DAD, we love you!
Remmington Hewitt, Class of 2022 & Preslie Hewitt, Class of 2019
To their father, John Hewitt
Oregon (Remmington) & Nevada (Preslie)
Sorcerer Gabales – Gold
Pleasant Grove, Calif.
*****
Karsen Korth video tribute:
*****
I love my dad; he is mine and my sisters’ biggest supporter on and off the softball field.
Although I know he would rather be on the lake fishing with Coach B, he sacrifices a lot to take me and my sister all over the country to do what we love. My dad wants me to succeed in all aspects of life just not on the softball field.
My dad has also spent countless hours on the bucket catching me to make me better. Although we argue some, I know he is just trying to help me be the best that I can be.
He takes me and my sister to our softball lessons during the week so that we can be our best on the diamond on the weekends.
Emery Bales, Class of 2027, with her sister Harper Bales, Class of 2025
To their father, Dwight Bales
Mojo-Kilgore 2027 (Emery) and Georgia Impact Premier Sullivan 2025 (Harper)
Knoxville, Tenn.
*****
Paytn Monticelli video tribute:
*****
I am who I am today because of my dad.
Since I could walk, I was hanging out at the ballpark and tagging along with my dad to his baseball games. My favorite place to be was in the dugout next to him as he taught me the game, I fell in love with it and I went on to play softball myself.
He spends hours each week, every week, working with me and my sister on hitting and pitching. Our father will drop everything for us and I am grateful to have such an awesome dad!
He is the greatest dad ever and I hope he has the best Father’s Day.
Brooke Beam, Class of 2025
To her father, Chance Beam (who is also her hitting coach)
Atlanta Vipers – Tamborra
Marietta, Ga.
*****
My dad is one of my biggest supporters.
He spends countless hours hitting fungo and throwing soft toss to me, as well as driving me to most of my practices, lessons, and games. I am thankful for all that he has done for me and all the sacrifices he has made to make me a better player.
The place I am today is not possible without his help. I am grateful for him pushing me to improve my skills.
Thank you for being an amazing father, coach, and throwing partner. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
I love you!
Anyssa Luttig, Class of 2025
To her father, Mike Luttig
Universal Macias 14U
Sacramento, Calif.
*****
You are not only my father, but you’re my role model, best friend and my No. 1 fan.
I am grateful for you and for all the time and money that you are investing in me, so that I can play the sport I love.
Thank you, dad, for always being there for me—from early morning games to all weekend tournaments, you are always there. You stood by me as I started my very first ever game, when I had no clue what to do, but you were there helping me along the way.
You taught me how to hold the bat and how to properly adjust my glove. You are helping me grow as a better pitcher and player throughout the years.
Your love and passion for softball has driven me to fall in love with the sport. I’ve seen how much my team means to you and how much you care; not only about me, but about all of my teammates.
You have taught me to never give up in life and to fight for what I want. Throughout the years I’ve seen how we have made so many memories and those memories will live with me for the rest of my life.
So, thank you for always being there for me and being such an amazing dad. You have so many softball players who look up to you, because you are that dad who makes sure all the girls are well taken care of during long and hot tournament weekends.
Don’t ever lose that effect on anyone; keep inspiring and growing!
Happy Father’s Day to the BEST DAD in the world.
Love,
Jayla
Jayla Santana, Class of 2027
To her father, Pedro Santana
AP Elite 09 – Jiles
Powder Springs, Ga.
*****
Rylie Johnson video tribute:
