For the Dodsons of Lindsay, home runs are a family affair.
Addi Dodson, a senior on the Leopardettes softball team, has hit 48 home runs so far, surpassing Lindsay’s previous home-run record of 34—held by her older sister Lili.
“When Lili started pitching, I wanted to too,” Addi said. “I want to accomplish things she has and be a bit better.”
Lili’s record broke the previous record of 28 set by their cousin Hartley Duke in 2018.
“At first, I wasn’t going for the record,” Lili said. “I just push myself every day to get better, hitting a home run here or there.”
Her junior year, Lili realized how close she was to the record. Then she broke it during her senior year.
“I wanted her to accomplish it, so I could beat it,” said Addi, who was a sophomore when her sister broke the record.
Lili knew even as she broke the record that it would not be hers for long.
“I knew already that my sister was going to break my record,” Lili said. “She was already 19 behind me. She just has the skill. I always had to work harder.”
During Addi’s junior year, she tied Lili’s record during the state tournament.
“I knew I didn’t stand a chance,” Lili said. “If the record was going to be passed on, at least it was to her.”
During the summertime before senior year, Addi played some travel softball but also took a break that has helped her start senior year.
“The break helped me accomplish more things because I came in with a clear mind,” Addi said.
The home record currently sits at 48, as Addi hit one against Dickson on Monday and three against Comanche on Tuesday.
“It‘s incredible to experience from a coach‘s point of view,” said Leopardette Coach Kristin Williams. “She‘s worked hard for it and deserves it, and the hours she spends up here are working.”
In the game against Dickson, Addi struck out during her first at-bat. Then, she hit a home run.
“It was nice to get revenge and get a home run,” Addi said.
Her other two at-bats turned into walks from the coach.
“That’s been happening here recently,” Addi said. “At Davis, I was walked two or three times after hitting two bombs. It kinda humbles me that they are so worried about me that I’m going to score.”
Nowadays, Lili is focused on being a mom and running Oakley’s Sips and Snacks, a new local food truck. She plans to start offering hitting lessons for the next generation soon.
Addi plans to play college ball and major in education so she can become a teacher and coach. She also wants to braid hair on the side.
For now, Addi plans to keep working hard through her senior year and racking up the home run record.
“I hope she gets it high enough to stay in the family,” Lili said.
