Slugger Spotlight: Joy Thompson

Joy Thompson is making the big leap from T-ball to coach-pitch softball this summer and she's ready for the challenge. 

She plays on the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Red Sox team which is comprised of kids from 6-8 years old—and the team is co-ed, a fact that doesn't bother Joy in the least.

"There are mostly boys on the team and only three girls," said Joy.  "The boys are nice though. And besides, I used to be a girlie girl, but now I'm a tomboy too."

Joy's mother Becky Thompson appreciates the patience that coach Doug and his assistants are providing to the kids.  

"Even though we've only had a few practices so far, I think the coaching has been wonderful," said Thompson. "There are some great parents out there helping the kids, and Shelby Parks and Recreation has really done a phenomenal job at putting this together. There are a lot of kids out here and it's a tough age group. The skill level between a 6- and an 8-year-old is huge.  Coach Doug and the assistants are very patient and are doing a great job."      

They have only had a few outings thus far at Ford Field, but Joy is working on transitioning to the pitched game. 

"Coach-pitch is different from T-ball and a little harder," said Joy.  "There's no tee so you have to pay attention. You really have to keep your eye on the ball."

In her young sports career, the 6-year-old Monfort Elementary first-grader has also been involved in soccer, gymnastics and cheerleading. She also likes to draw at school and eat pizza with her family.

"I like softball because I really like to play sports and I like catching and batting," said Joy. "That and I like the snacks."