Softball's Little Instruction Book
Never underestimate the other team, especially in slow pitch.
Don't bother holding a grudge against an umpire; it isn't worth it. Umpires are people too, and they make errors just like you and me.
If you invite a substitute to fill a vacant spot, treat that person like a royal guest.
Never heckle a pitcher, especially if that person is new to the job.
Try to have fun, whether you're winning or losing. Otherwise, there's no point to playing.
Be respectful of the other team, even if they do not treat your team similarly. Your sportsmanship on the field will quickly get known throughout the league.
Don't let that loud-talking batter fool you. Sometimes, the loudest player is the worst, the quietest the best, and everybody else falls somewhere in between.
You're never too good or too important to sit on the bench every once in a while.
Always run to first base, even when you bat a flyball. An error might stretch your pop fly into a single or double.
If your team has a uniform, wear it.
Don't question your coach's or manager's judgment in front of the team.
If you do have a suggestion for your coach, manager, or fellow player, do it privately.
If somebody makes an error, she already knows she made a mistake. Don't remind her.
If somebody makes a particularly bad error, don't make her relive it. She is already in enough embarrassment.
Don't measure your talent against players on your own team.
Never chastise another player when others can hear you.
If you're fortunate enough to play on a good team, treat it like a privilege.
Always respect your fellow players, even if they don't give you immediate reasons to do so.
Cheer for your pitcher, even when she throws poorly. Being on the mound is the toughest job on the field.
When you're catching a hit, especially a bouncing one, always try to get your body in front of it like a goalie. You may take a bounce off the chest, but you will stop the ball, and your teammates will respect you for it.
If your team wants to go for drinks (non-alcoholic, of course) after the game, go with them, if just for twenty minutes. Even if you just drink water, your teammates will appreciate your camaraderie.
If you can show up early, offer to install the bases and assist the umps with setup. Even if it is not your home team's responsibility, your effort will be remembered by other ball players.
When batting, keep your hands high as you wait for the pitch. It will help prevent flyballs resulting from golf-type swings.
If you make a big error during a game, it is a good idea to buy a round of drinks (again, non-alcoholic) for your team afterwards.
If you're buying a lot of drinks, that's a good indicator that you need extra practice.
Somebody on your team has to bat last. Cheer for that person, even if she is the weakest hitter in your squad.
Before you borrow a teammate's expensive bat, ask first.
If you're winning big, don't rub it in. Being cocky will haunt you one day, especially during playoffs.
Don't "hit at the pitcher". It might be good for a single, but it's bad karma for the game and for team relations.
If you are the batter on deck, tell the runner coming home whether she needs to slide or not.
Unless you're looking for a bench brawl, do NOT run into the baseman.
Basemen: remember to make room for the runner whenever the play is not to you.
Save the beer drinking for after the game. It will taste better then. (this one doesn't apply to my team!)
The same person that let you down one game, may win it for you next time.
There is always a next time.
Always shake hands, thank the umpire, and clean up after yourself before you leave.
Most of all, leave the game on the field, where it belongs.