When speaking of softball there are a couple of names that automatically enter the mind…Lisa Fernandez, Catherine Osterman, and Jennie Finch to name a few. These are exemplary women of outstanding character and extraordinary role models for today’s aspiring teens and female ball players. These are all character traits that fans notice in the players however, what is the first thing they notice when the players take the field? The softball shirts worn proudly by these women with their numbers and logos painted boldly on the back. This is the first and last thing fans see when the players are taking and exiting the field. While the shirt does not make the player, rather the players make the shirt; it is a very important part of their persona.
One of the most famous softball quotes used by coaches and families of players says, “Pain is temporary. While it may last a second, a minute, an hour, or a day, it will go away eventually and something will take its place. If you quit, it will last forever.” This quote means that players have a dedication to themselves, their fans, teams, and numbers to simply endure. A loss or an injury will heal or be forgotten, but the shame of quitting will be remembered forever. A quitter would be a disgrace to the shirt, team, sport, and themselves. Softball is, next to baseball, America’s favorite pastime and is played in various other countries as well. The dedication, spirit, and drive shown by its players are equaled by none and this quote speaks to these qualities in softball players.
Spring begins practices and then games begin, carrying over into summer. Players everywhere get their softball gloves out and get ready for fastpitch softball. Parents, friends, and fans go out to the ballpark to see their favorite players dominate on the field. First however, teams (not professional teams of course) must decide on a name (if playing league), and choose a uniform. There are many types of softball shirts available in different colors, designs, and from various designers. Choosing the right colors for the team is important, as they will represent the players throughout the season. For example, a team called the pirates would not want white and pink uniforms rather red and black would better represent these players. The uniform is an extension of the team itself and must represent them well. The player might make the shirt look good but the shirt must make the team look good as well.
Softball shirts are typically available for parents, friends, and fans too. A parent shirt might say, “Lindsay’s Mom,” while a friend shirt might say, “I’m with #13″ or “13’s BFF.” Typically, fan shirts are jersey replicas but T-shirts are available with team logos just as with any other major sport. This is a way to raise funds for the team no matter the venue, league, school, or professional and fans, friends, and family are willing to pay the price to show support for their team.
Perhaps one of the most memorable athletic quotes in history can sum up softball and its players, “Champions are not made in the gyms. They are made from something deep inside them: a dream, a desire, and a vision.” Some of the greatest athletes in the world play softball and wear those softball shirts with pride. They give the game, the fans, their families, their jerseys, and themselves a sense of pride, accomplishment, and unity each time they step onto the field. The shirts might give the team strength and unity but the players give the shirts heart.