The Fort Worth Batbusters began in 1994 and has since been
one of the premier fastpitch softball organizations in the Southwest.
The
organization was founded on the values of hard work, discipline, teamwork,
respect and sportsmanship. Throughout the years the talent that has passed
through the organization has clearly exhibited this excellence.
Behind organizations such as Batbusters are individuals with
a passion to lead these athletes down a winding path of life lessons and
eminently their future. So let’s introduce you to two key people who have
established the success of the Batbusters organization.
Many of you may know Ken Graves as the coach who gives
lessons but we can’t forget Ken Graves the man who helped set the standard that
the organization upholds to this day. Ken began coaching softball in 1980 when
his daughter started playing. Since then he has been lending his hand to those
who have sought his tutelage. When speaking with Ken he was very passionate
about how the organization has had the ability to impact that lives of numerous
athletes. Ken was sure to affirm that Batbusters focus on the fact that this
has always “been for the girls.”
Not only has Ken dedicated countless hours coaching and
directing, but also he was a key component in establishing the annual Fort
Worth Batbusters Ovarian Cancer Showcase. This showcase began about 10 years
ago in Southlake, Tx and three years ago moved to North Richland Hills, Tx. This
is a part of the organization that reminds everyone involved that they’re apart
of something greater than themselves.
The Fort Worth Batbusters currently consists of eight teams
from 10u-18u. These teams are based out of the DFW area but the athletes come
from near and far to be apart of the organization. These athletes have
continued to represent the wide-range of talent across Texas.
For many young girls softball is the driving force behind
their success. Many girls spend countless hours dedicating time and energy to
ensure their plans for the future. But at some point those girls fall in love.
Suddenly all of those hours and weekends in the dirt were all worthwhile.
That’s exactly what led Michelle Morgan, head coach and Director of Batbusters, to return to the organization that impacted her life. “Softball
helped shape me and mold me. I give back to a sport that did the same for me.”
In becoming a softball player at a young age Michelle was continuing the
longstanding family tradition. Michelle was able to play for the organization
before she went on to NCTC and then Salem International.
In speaking with both Michelle and Ken it was clear
that Batbusters has continued its long-term success because the number one goal
has continued to be putting the girls and their future first.
You can all recall that one coach that changed your life or
that one team that made you feel apart of a family. This is the environment
that everyone involved with the organization attempts to create. That, along
with the quality of girls who come through the program has truly helped
establish the respect that has been associated with the Batbusters name.
Alumni Shelby Watson, from North Richland Hills, Tx, was
able to describe how Batbusters has impacted her life.
“Playing for the Fort Worth Batbusters over eight years
showed me leadership, integrity, failure, success, and so much more. From the
coaches, to my teammates, to the competition it was all around the best part of
my softball experience.” She continued to say, “Gaining the friendships that
turned into a family, along with gaining the skills of a passionate softball
player, has now turned into memories that will never be forgotten.”
If you know who the Batbusters are then you know that
they’ve successfully developed thousands of girls into great softball players
and future leaders. It’s because of organizations like this that many girls are
given the opportunity to continue doing what they love. Ask anyone and you will
find that this organization lives up to the reputation of putting their
athletes first and its evident when you see who has been able to succeed under
the tutelage of those who have made the organization what it is. (Be sure to
look at the list of
girls who have gone on to play at a collegiate level)
It’s clear that Batbusters is a staple for softball in the
DFW area. If you were to ask people like Ken Graves and Michelle Morgan they
would tell you that it’s all about the girls on that field and their love for
the game.
For more information visit their website by clicking the link.
Written By: Marissa Moore
August 26, 2018
