What is softball? Is there a family bond between the players? Why do people play softball? How do you deal with the crowd? All these questions answered and more.

When googling the definition of softball, it is defined as a sport played on a small diamond with a ball that is larger than a baseball and that is pitched underhanded. That is a ton of words and sound confusing. A simple paraphrase is a sport like baseball played by women on a smaller scale with underhanded pitches and a larger ball. There may nine people on the field but more on the team. It has some of the same positions too: left, right, shortstop, first base, second base, third base, center field, catcher, and pitcher’s mound.

Now that the game is fundamentally defined, let’s go to the players and see what they think softball is. “Softball is a sport that brings you closer to people,” my sister said. “It’s not going to be fun all the time; it’s going to take blood, sweat, and tears out of you.” Softball is a sisterhood created through teamwork and competitive spirit. According to another teammate, softball is a game of strength, determination, and power.

This team is basically a family in the eyes of the players. The team shows up together as a family, plays like a family, and finishes strong like a family. Each player has each other’s back literally. They are fighting for the same thing: another win. “The team is fighting the world together for that championship,” said a teammate. If the team doesn’t win, it is okay as long as each everyone puts 110 percent. The excess players in the dugout contribute to the game as well. They are the cheerleaders of the team, which means at one point everyone is a cheerleader. Basically, every softball team has is its own cheerleading squad. There is a sisterhood bond between all of the girls that goes past the field. It's an extra support system.

Why each girl plays softball is different. My sister uses it express negative emotions during batting. She can hit the ball as hard as she wants to instead of hurting anyone or herself. Batting calms her down, and if she becomes a great player, she could get a scholarship to a university. They are extremely hard to receive, but it is possible. Others play for several reasons. One teammate plays softball just for the thrill; that last out; that home run. The second family gained through teamwork.

Fun Facts: Metal cleats dig into the ground better than plastic, so you get better traction when you run. However, it does make the shoes heavier and that may make it harder for you to run fast. Contrary to what some people think, there are no bad positions to have in a game, only bad players. All positions even the bench warmers in the dugout play an important role.

The only real way to truly deal with the crowd is to block them out. If teammate focuses on what the crowd says and not the coach, there will be a bad game that is probably going to be blamed on the coach for not coaching. When in reality, the team was never listening to the coach in the first place.

Please remember to follow all sportsman like conduct when participating or viewing sporting events. They are there to keep sporting events safe for the participants and viewers. If you have any tips to make the story better or a new story angle, please leave a comment below, and I will gladly do a follow-up article.