I Believe In Softball

I believe in competition and camaraderie. I believe in brackets, bubble gum, and bang-bang plays. I believe that attendance and preparation win games. I believe there is more to being a good batter than just being a good hitter. I believe in being relaxed on defense until the batter lifts her front foot. I believe it's ok to use defensive shifts to play the odds, and head games. I believe in taking my turn to coach the base across the field from our dugout. I believe in checking on the condition of injured opponents. I believe players should applaud opponents after they make great defensive plays. I believe players can get better with age. I believe taking winter BP with a cheap bat helps to hit summer homers with an expensive bat. I believe in running out routine grounders and lazy fly balls, no matter how frustrated I am. I believe it is better to be a smart base runner than a fast one. I believe in the nervous anticipation of a play at the plate. I believe in the magical moment of recognition after contact on a "no-doubter" home run. I believe in catchers who talk junk and pitchers who throw it. I believe in infielders who think getting dirty is part of the job description. I believe in fast outfielders who do not hug the lines or play to deep. I believe rattling bats can wake them up, and uncrossing them can avoid bad luck. I believe in wiping the morning dew off a ball, and squinting into the sunset. I believe in saving an equipment catalog until the next issue replaces it. I believe photos; autographed balls and scorebook pages can be better than trophies and t-shirts. I BELIEVE THERE IS NO OFF-SEASON. JUST A LONGER WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT GAME. I believe in the butterflies of opening day and the long drive home after the final game. I believe in showing appreciation to your family and friends who came to watch you play. I believe in thanking the umps when the game is over, regardless of the score. I believe the final score is part of the overall experience. I BELIEVE IN SOFTBALL.
By Sarah, Johnstown Jewels