I have no idea who the people to the left are. . .but I think it does the job of giving you an idea of what Jean looks like. . .[PS I know none of them are her, because she rolls around in an electric wheel chair. . .and then tries to lecture us on making sure we train for softball season because she doesn't want to listen to complaints that we're sore. . .there's like a million things wrong with that sentence.]The passage [errr novel-like story] below is taken from our HORIBBLE softball league's website: www.nycsoftball.com. Under no circumstances use this website to sign up for the league [I know you want to!]. Anywho, presumably this lovely ditty was written by Jean the Genious. My comments are in smaller font in parentheses. . .as if you wont' be able tell. Enjoy.
"In 1975, Phyllis M, Ammirati Started the New York Women’s Sports League. It was the first of its kind in Manhattan that allowed women to play organized softball. At the time, it was very difficult for women to do so. [ever heard of a complex sentence????]
Throughout the development of the New York Women’s Sports League, Phyllis had the vision to see that women had a very difficult time coming out for softball, or any other sports. She gave them the guidance they needed and the respect they deserved. For many years, Phyllis had to fight the stereotype that "Women belonged in the home and not on a softball diamond". [Hasn't she ever heard of league of their own? She's not the first to fight this stereotype. . .maybe she should have just required the girls to wear skirts. . .and had Madonna play]
Her fierce determination [fierce like Tyra!] and quiet perseverance while working with the Parks Department and the community [what a winner. . .] finally gained ground against all opposed her ideals. She convinced them that women were here to stay [where were they going?] and that they would make valuable contributions to all they encountered.
Phyllis’ visions for women extended far beyond the game of softball. She saw that through softball, or any endeavor, women can develop a sense of independence and camaraderie among themselves, family members, friends, employers and even with the fans who just come to the game to root for the underdog. [That sentence was a little too complex. . .]It has become a chance for everyone to change for the better, a chance for people to grow and struggle with his or her dreams and attain new levels of awareness. [And did you know that softball can save the world???? Next Stop: the Middle East]
It was not all fun and games. When Phyllis obtained use of Coleman Oval in 1980, there was much hard work to be done. The field was in disrepair, so she banded the women together and started a ground crew to develop and maintain the field. She gave notice to the teams that they must clean up after themselves [You give that notice!!!]. She told everyone to " Leave the field in better condition than you fine it, [no need for a comment there. . .] so the next player on the field will see our example and do the same". On February 4, 1991, Phyllis’ sudden death was a shock to us all [Moment of Silence, please. . .]. Due to her strong leadership and gentle guidance, the league has grown and prospered through the years. Today her beliefs and strong ideals still hold true. Phyllis’ work goes on because of the solid foundation upon which she built the league, and us, the players and managers in the league." [Thank God for Phyllis, without her we wouldn't have had such a wonderful Softball Season . .waaaiiiittttt]
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