Softball is the female version of baseball; that is quite obvious. But there is really nothing super girly or easy about it. Softball can be just as aggressive and just as complicated as baseball. Any girl who has ever taken the time to play, whether it be rec, travel, or school, knows this to be true. Playing softball takes patience and talent, just like it's counterpart. Like I said, if you've played the game before you know this to be true, and here's a list of other things you probably know to be true about this beloved game.

1. There is nothing "soft" about the ball.

Just because you get a free base when you get hit does NOT mean it's all fun and games. That stuff hurts! Especially if you get hit in the foot, elbow, or face (when you're on defense). If you don't believe me, how about you step in that batters box and take a ball to the thigh.

2. Because sunburns can be your worst enemy, sunscreen is now your new BFF.

You can't afford to have tomato red shoulders impairing your ability to throw someone out. You probably had thousands of cans of sunscreen in your bat bag, plus your mom most likely covered you before the game started.

3. Getting cleated is also not fun.

Someone is literally digging the spike of their shoe into your leg and pulling it down. The scars you receive are fun to compare, but in the moment it sucks.

4. Raspberries are not just a delicious fruit.

Instead they are a painful, road rash like scrape you get from sliding. Also not fun.

5. Eye Black is really only used to look cool.

"Does this make me look intimidating?"

6. Hitting off the bad part of the bat is probably the worst thing to ever happen to anyone.

I couldn't find any pictures to demonstrate this but you guys know the feeling. Your hands will sting forever...I really do mean forever.

7. Sleep doesn't fit in your schedule on weekends you have tournaments.

You can start at 8 am, play until 1 am just to have to come back at 8 again the next morning. Better rest up during the week!

8. You spend more time shopping for bats than you do shopping for actual clothes.

It's got to look good and perform even better.

9. Thinking you'll make a great play but instead getting hit by the ball happens alot more than you'd like to admit.

Maybe nobody saw? No they definitely did...oh well.

10. Feeling stupid after missing an easy catch.

Even though you shake it off in the moment you'll remember it forever.

11. Thinking the dirt coating you've acquired is a tan.

You get so excited until after you get out of the shower and find that your color is all gone.

12. Speaking of tans, you never want to be seen in a bathing suit because your tan lines are already so weird.

At least your face and arms have some color. Now you have to figure out how to get the rest of your body caught up.

13. You gave up and doing cute braids long ago.

By the end of the game it will be a ratty, sweaty mess so why try?

14. Everything you've ever played or practiced in is permanently stained.

Whether it be grass or dirt, it probably isn't going to come out anytime soon.

Though it may not always be fun, it's a rewarding game to play. The memories you make on the diamond will last you a lifetime. Whether you've hung up your cleats or are still playing today, the above are all things you've probably experienced. If you haven't then you aren't playing the right way!!