There is something I need to come clean on; I became one of those people this week.

During my stepdaughter’s softball game Thursday, I found myself with sweaty palms and a quickened heart rate. In between pitches I had to remind myself to breathe and keep my composure.

Yes, I became one of those people.

From the moment my wife and I signed Sarah Cameron up for youth softball, our entire focus was for her to simply have fun, learn as much as she could and enjoy quality time at the ballpark.

Never once did we dwell on a loss, or a misplayed grounder. Instead, we focused on getting her to practice, working on her skills and — more important — having fun.

We should have reminded ourselves of all those things Thursday. But, it’s amazing what a tie ballgame, in extra innings, can do to completely destroy any sense of parental bearing.

During the last few innings of the game, I was pacing to the point I wore a path in the grass near the bleachers. I lived and died with each call of the umpire.

“Was she safe? Of course she was safe!”

Yes, I became one of those people.

Late in the game, with Sarah Cameron’s team up to bat in the bottom of the inning and a chance to win, I finally realized why fences surround the ballpark; it’s not so much to keep flying softballs from launching into the stands, but to keep over-excited family and fans from leaping onto the field as the winning run is scored.

Yes, I became one of those people.

For years I have gone to ballparks to cover youth sports, high school games and college athletics, and I have always wondered how parents could lose their composure when it comes to a child’s game. What I learned Thursday is the difference is it’s not only a child’s game; it’s their child’s game. It’s personal.

Yes, I became one of those people.

As I have covered those events, I am also amazed at the people who turn out for games three, four and sometimes five times each week. The investment made in portable chairs, game equipment and time going to and from the ballpark can quickly add up. At this point, I don’t even want to know how much I’ve spent this season on pickle pops.

Through all the excitement on our side of the field Thursday, I am sure there was heartache on the other side. There were parents who were having to deal with the exact emotions we were going through the waning moments of the game, only to have to console their child following the loss. We’ve been there too.

As the season comes to a close in the coming days, I am overwhelmingly thankful Sarah Cameron took part in this season. It’s not only taught her so much about being part of a team, hard work and the everyday life lessons learned through sports, but it’s also taught her how to deal with parents who have become “those people.”