Softball Quotes

Summer Quotes Have to be About Softball

It is almost summer and here in the good old USA the parks and ball fields are quickly filling up with young and not quite so young alike, to play ball. Some of the people belong to official teams, with matching softball shirts, new leather catchers mitts or outfielders softball gloves, and a special strut in their step from the inspirational summer quotes the coach filled their head with before the game. Other fields hold a scraggly looking crew, with gloves tied back up with boot laces and no two shirts matching, formed either from the neighborhood kids or by the relatives that just finished a big family dinner put on by grandma. However, if you look past the ornamental covering worn by some to the happy grins of all, you will find two teams exactly alike, they are there for the love of the game.

Softball, unlike baseball, originated in the United States in 1887, reportedly between men who had attended Harvard and Yale in Chicago, with a glove tied up in a ball shape and a handle to hit it with. Both the 17” ball and bat were invented the following week by George Hancock and the Farragut Boat Club wrote the rules. This was initially played indoors during bad weather so baseball players could stay in practice, but moved outdoors with new rules in 1889, and Rober invented the new 12” ball. Toronto had the first league that was outside of the US for softball in 1897. Although it was named softball in 1926, there were different names and rules applied to it until 1934 when a committee on softball standardized both. Fastpitch softball started to dominate it in the forties, but when slow-pitch was recognized in 1953 at the Amateur Softball Association, it surpassed fast pitch within a decade. This remains very popular today.

The game of softball closely resembles baseball with a few minor changes. The ball is bigger than a baseball and is pitched underhanded instead of over-handed like a baseball; furthermore, the softball must make an arc. The diamond is smaller for softball than baseball. However, they each have from nine to twelve players, with a pitcher, catcher, shortstop, base men, infielders and outfielders. In addition, the object of it is to hit the ball, and then run around the bases until you reach home, at which time you have scored. Like all games, it sounds fairly easy, but not everyone can play it really well; however, you do not have to play it really well to have fun.

Professional softball players put in a lot of long hard hours of practice to get where they are today, but if they did not love the game, they would not have the edge to keep them on top. Being physically suited and with a natural talent will never give you the edge you need to stay on top, you have to love what you are doing. When you read athletic quotes, it becomes apparent that this is a prerequisite for getting to the top. Coach Kirk Walker said, “Love it, experience it and when you step on the field, just do what you do,” and that pretty much sums it up. He means you love it, you learn what you need to do, you practice what you have learned, and when it is put to the test in a game, do not despair, you just keep doing what you have done many times before.

Therefore, if you are lucky enough to be included in a neighborhood ball game, whether it is baseball or softball, go and have some fun. The exercise is good for you and having fun with friends and family and laughing does wonders for your soul. In addition, when they say “as American as baseball and apple pie” you can tell them softball is more American.

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Motivating and Inspirational Softball Quotes From Real Players

by admin in Softball

If you play, coach or watch softball you will appreciate that motivation does contribute quite a bit to the game. Coaches have an inherited skill to motivate their players, and to increase energy and morale within the stands. With advances in technology, fans are now honored to listen to their favorite teams on the side line via a camera and microphone. This intrusion of space is more like means to collaborate and great quotes. There are many popular softball quotes (as well as other memorable quotes from other sports) that have been spoken by both coaches and players; here is a short compilation of athletic quotes.

As many players of any sport know, day to day practices and conditioning is all meant for that “big day”. Whether it is the World Series, the Superbowl, the Stanley cup or Olympic Games, each sport has their own momentous occasion that summarizes all of their hard work into either a loss or a win. A popular quote from Lisa Fernandez, the Team USA pitcher for the women’s softball league sums this feeling up quite accurately, “We’re prepared, and we’ve done everything we can to prepare for this moment in time. That’s what confidence is all about.” Having the best skills does not always determine the winner, many times confidence is key.

Preparation is perhaps the most important key in any sport let alone softball. You can be the fastest pitcher, the best batter, or the best at stealing bases, but if you are not prepared, all of this will not matter at crunch time. Players commonly mistake preparation with being fit. Although this is a huge part of it, conditioning the mind is just as important as the body. Unprepared pitchers, infielders, and outfielders will crack under pressure. Something Laura Berg, an outfielder for Team USA, knows very well. Berg’s favorite quote to inspire preparation is, “We go out and work hard. We play this game with emotion and love. Coach always says, “Come to the field prepared because if you don’t bring that to the field, you’re going to get beat.” There is nothing worse then failing, not because you were second best, but because you were not prepared.

There will be times that even the best team loses. Whether it was lack of preparation or not, a team must know how to deal with a loss and rebound from it. With as many games that are played through a softball season, teams will have several losses, and some will have more then wins. Although this is never the desired outcome, a coach that will inspire a team to be their best even at their worst is a successful one. As the coach of Stanford’s softball team, John Rittman, stated, “We will live for tomorrow and come out tomorrow ready to play.” Focusing on the next task at hand can bring any low morale up.

Sometimes it takes the individual to better themselves. While there are coaches to lead to the team and coaches to review performance mistakes and point these out to the player, a player has to want to be better to become better. Cat Osterman, the Team USA pitcher, puts it well when she states, “It’s always about wanting to one-up myself from the day before. There’s never an absolute 100% perfect performance, but going out and striving for that perfect performance is what keeps me going.” If one thing is certain, no one is absolutely perfect at a sport. There really is no definition of perfect when it comes to performance of a team sport. However, acknowledging weaknesses and striving to better them is what makes a good player.

The competitive sport of softball includes a lot high moments and some all time lows as well. Have the motivation and inspiration of professional athletes, and those that represent our country, can inspire even school age children to be better and strive for the best.

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A Shot for Softball

by admin in Softball

Softball is a favorite team sport in the United States, next to baseball, that is. It is also commonly played in other countries as well. Though softball and baseball are often mistaken to be exactly the same sports, one difference is the balls used in softball are bigger than that of baseball while instead of throwing the pitches overhand, players throw them underhand. In Chicago, Illinois, George Hancock invented the sport of softball on Thanksgiving Day in the year 1887 and its first game comprised of a broomstick that served as the bat and a boxing glove that was rolled up as the ball. During this time, the sport was referred to as “Indoor Baseball’- it was supposed to be a winter version of baseball wherein people can all play the sport indoors and not outside the wintery cold.

On a large field, softball is played by two teams. The field is composed of the grassy outfield and the infield that is comprised of the running and diamond areas. Depending on the place, the fields can be filled with dirt, artificial grass, or even asphalt in cities like New York. The infield consists of four bases- the first, second and third base plus the home plate. The bases form a square and usually measure 45-65 feet apart from each other. The pitcher’s circle is situated near the square’s center and inside the circle is a flat rectangular area called the “rubber”. The objective of the whole game is to score more points or “runs” than the other team. They can attain such scores by hitting or “batting” the ball into play then running throughout the bases while consecutively touching each one.

The ball is made up of light material that is normally covered with leather or any other synthetic material, and usually measures from 10-12 inches in circumference. The game is managed by one or more umpires and is played in a sequence of 7 innings. One inning is equal to one series of the two teams playing offense and defense roles. Each inning has been divided into two- a bottom half and a top half that indicates which team is going to play which role. The offense does the batting while attempting to score runs. Meanwhile, the defense takes up the field and tries to record outs with several techniques. When the defense is able to record three outs, the half of the inning is over while both teams switch roles.

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Equipment Essentials for Softball

by admin in Softball

In the United States, over a million enthusiasts play softball even at least once a year. It has clearly become a very popular sport in America and in other countries as well. It does not matter how old or how good you are, softball is all about fun. However, for one to fully enjoy the game, he must have the right softball equipment to go with the sport.

The softball itself is the most significant piece of softball equipment. It comes in different sizes but a softball of 12 inches is the most commonly used one. It is used in both college and international games, as well as in men’s recreational plays. The 11-inch ball, on the other hand, is used in the women’s play as well as in the youth softball games in different leagues. Gloves are also essential in the game, as fielders will definitely show a more effective play with their gloves on. Gloves used in softball are fit for the ball’s large size. For glove sizes, inches are the choice for their measurements- ranging from 11 inches, which are more suited for an infield player, to 14 inches fit for an outfielder. Instead of the standard-sized glove, first base players and catchers often make use of mitts.

To put the game into play, bats are used by the team in the offensive role. Softball bats are powerful softball equipment and are usually created using wood, aluminum or other composite materials. Bats that are made of aluminum are less expensive and are used mainly in youth or recreational games. Composite bats, meanwhile, are used in college, international and other competitive softball plays. In slow-pitch and men’s games, wooden bats are a popular choice.

In youth and fast-pitch games, players are generally advised to make use of batting helmets for protective purposes. They are required to put on an approved helmet to avoid injury while in play. Some helmets may come with a facemask attached to each. However, slow-pitch and other recreational games do not need the use of batting helmets.

Depending on the level and style of the play, catchers of all levels are advised to wear helmets with facemasks, chest protectors and shin guards while infielders in a youth play may use a fielder’s mask. Other protective softball equipment such as the mouth guard, heart guard and the batter’s shin guard are also sometimes used, but is not usually required in most plays.

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Softball Quotes for Coaches & Players

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Whether you are a coach or a player, being pumped up for a softball game definitely requires great effort. An effective way in getting yourself motivated is keeping your mind off negative things and focusing on positive words. A huge number of softball enthusiasts, famous or unknown, have shared their thoughts and feelings on playing softball that will leave you pumped up for the game.

Take this softball quote, for example, from an unknown author. He said, “A true champion is someone who wants to make a difference, who never gives up, and who gives everything they have no matter what the circumstances are. A true champion works hard and never loses sight of their dreams.” That is quite a remarkable thing to say. Champions are not the people who never fail, but they are the people who never quit. That is the true test of this game, even in life. Faith and determination are what these champions are holding on to. They have a dream, and they will never stop dreaming.

Another inspiring softball quote goes like this: “The point of the game is not how well the individual does but whether the team wins. That is the beautiful part of the game, the blending of personalities, the mutual sacrifices for group success. Even when you have played the game of your life, it is the feeling of teamwork that you will remember. You’ll forget the plays, the hits, and the scores, but you’ll never forget your teammates.” Yes, truly no man is an island. We do not always achieve victory or even get to the finish line on our own. Dealing with different people has never been easy but there are always certain individuals along the way, or in the game, who, unknowingly, have done sacrifices for us, people who encourage us even in their little ways, people who have made a difference. Through our path of victory, whether it is in a softball game, or life itself, never forget to say thank you.

This next softball quote actually reminds me of most people. It goes like this: “The minute you start talking about what you’re going to do if you lose, you have lost.” This simply means that no one can win with a negative attitude. Remember, whatever you put your mind into, whether it is winning the play or winning your life, you can achieve it especially with a positive mind. Nothing beats the power of positivity.

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by admin in Softball

A softball game may not always be a good time for all players, one team wins while the other loses. If ever you have lost and you have the urge of going home to hide your face from the world, here are a couple of softball quotes that may change your outlook at present:

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” When we make either small or big mistakes and we turn everybody down, it is always painful to see and hear everyone talking about you and telling you what you should have done. However, this should never discourage you and tell you that you should quit. To put it simply, everyone makes mistakes occasionally. This will soon pass, and like a cup of coffee, it will eventually just turn cold. Relax, stop focusing on the pain, but instead focus on how you will get back up again.

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” This softball quote simply means that when an individual has the power and passion for whatever he wants to achieve, it is never impossible for him to reach his dreams. In a softball game, it is not always the talent or the skill that makes a team win. It is their will and desire to attain victory.

“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.” Confidence is one of the essential keys of winning. Believing in yourself, no matter how old you are or what level you have achieved, will definitely give you an advantage. Once a boy grew up, believing that he was a generally dumb person and had no personal achievements at all. Upon reaching his forties, he took an IQ test and the results came to show that he was in fact, a genius! He eventually became a teacher, an author and a businessman because he knew for himself that he was a genius. Observe how self-esteem can immediately turn the tides of someone’s life. It is really all in your mind.

In addition, of course, Muhammad Ali’s famous line: “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: a desire, a dream, and a vision.” All these quotes and sayings, they only sum up to this adage. A true winner does not only go through heavy workouts or intense trainings. They are fueled not by strategies or techniques but with their will and determination to win. Happiness is a choice, and only you have the power to make your every goal and every dream come true.

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In A Flash With Fast-Pitch Softball

by admin in Fast Pitch, Softball

Fast-pitch softball is a type of softball that is more commonly played by women. They start mostly from 6 years old through their college age. However, male and different fast-pitch leagues also play fast-pitch softball. The ISF or the International Softball Federation is the worldwide governing association of softball and it has recognized 3different pitch speeds and equivalent styles of play- the fast pitch, the medium pitch, and the slow pitch. Fast-pitch softball has been considered as the most competitive form of the sport. It is the way that softball was generally played during the Olympic Games in the years 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. It has also been used for college softball and many international championship games such as the ones sponsored by ISF.

In fast-pitch softball, the pitchers throw the ball with an underhand toss and reach a speed from up to 70 miles/hour or 110 km/hour for women, and a faster speed of 85 miles/hour or 137 km/hour for men when thrown from 40-43 feet away. The style of pitching is different from the one that is used for slow-pitch softball. Pitchers in a fast-pitch game throw the ball using a “windmill” pitch. This pitching style brings the ball in a circular movement that starts at the hip then brings it up overhead and goes back down, thus completing the circle. The release of the ball is a very essential part of fast-pitch softball. The pitcher should snap their wrist in an upward direction at the same exact moment that the ball has been centered in the midpoint of his body. Thus, this kind of release will cause a spinning motion on the part of the ball, which will then contribute to an important component of its speed and curve.

The fastball pitch and the other types of pitches that are associated with it are taught in different styles. This mainly depends on the methods of the coach and his players’ abilities. The impact of being able to use these pitches at very high speeds is that it hastens the entire softball game and generates more action, power, and intensity.

For fast-pitch softball tips, one can warm up considerably for about 20- 30 minutes using underhand and overhand styles of throwing. He can start throwing to the catcher at a close distance while slowly moving back. As he is gradually working farther back up to the pitcher’s plate or even beyond, he will notice that he is covering even larger distances. In addition, he should learn the fastball pitch before tackling other pitching styles.

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