How do you play softball?
I joined my department’s softball team because they needed more women. I have never played any kind of sport in my life, and have never even watched a baseball game on TV.
1. Is there anything to it aside from hitting the ball and running around the bases?
2. Do I need to bring anything? Like a glove?
3. What position should I request to minimize embarrassing myself?
4. Do you have any other advice?
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21 Answers
Position wise, what are you good at? Are you a good pitcher? Good at catching balls?
I always liked being near 3rd base, I don’t know why. Or by first. I don’t know the specifics of position names.
I’d bring your own glove, unless you know they’ll supply them.
Bring a glove. Ask to play left field, since it’s the least busy. You might have to throw pretty far though if the ball comes to you. Also, people may hit it to you on purpose if they sense that you’re a beginner. The pace is slow, so make a point to just enjoy being outside and being social. The weekend warriors will try to run the show, so be prepared to get out of their way if you are so inclined.
I second everything Kevbo said… but I’d suggest right field instead of left.
Also, bring your sense of humor! There’s a chance you’ll be involved with something embarrassing or humiliating. Know that it could happen, and enjoy yourself in spite of it.
Unless I got them mixed up. Whichever is behind first base. I believe right field is behind third.
What Kevbo said. But go for the right field. Right handed batters tent to hit to the left. But have fun. You are getting old (in the sense that it is confirmed that this isn’t going to be a career), sports should be about fun. Losers can still have beers after the game. Have fun, life is short.
Right field is behind 1st. It is from what the batter sees.
I’m horrible at softball, but they need a certain amount of women on the team for corporate cup that I am roped in every year. They put me as catcher, and mostly the pitcher runs up to the plate when there is action going on. I do have a glove and cleats as I do get to run when I hit the ball and have fallen down with regular tennis shoes on.
If you make it on base, don’t run if the batter hits a pop-up, unless there are two outs.
Also, since you’ve never played before, really talk shit to the other players. People will think it’s hilarious. Well, I would think it’s hilarious. It’ll also lighten the mood.
Find a mentor. Someone you like and who likes you, and who you feel comfortable asking questions. (Personally, I love to teach and share stuff. I would be thrilled to be asked.)
You guys are awesome. Thank you all for not making fun of me and for giving legitimate advice. And Adam, you have my permission to come down to OC and mentor me. :)
@Andrew…talk shit LOL.
@Nikipedia You might want to get what is called sliding shorts. They go under your regular shorts or pants. When you slide into base you can get strawberries on your ass and thighs especially if the infield is rough. They help keep that from happening. Some people like to wear batting gloves too. They help grip the bat and absorb shock if you hit the ball on or close to the handle.
i play fastpitch, and i am a pitcher. if you are playing slowpitch, be the catcher, thats usually where they put the player with the least experience. u need a glove, tennis shoes or cleats, a bat, and deffinately sliding shorts
@nikipedia I’d love to come mentor you! (If only you were closer to the bay area…) Please update us after your first game! I’d love to hear any stories – good, bad, or ugly. Personally, I can’t get enough baseball. Enjoy.
I went! I played! I hit the ball one time! Only it beat me to first base.
@nikipedia You should have screamed “MAYBE IF YOU LEARNED HOW TO PITCH I WOULDN’T GET OUT, YOU *SSHOLE!”
@andrew: Next game, for sure.
Does it work if the pitcher’s on my team…?
@nikipedia Oh, even BETTER! Also, if you do get out by a long ways, start kicking up dust at the first baseperson and swearing. Then say, ok, fine, let’s have a race to second base to determine if I’m out.
@nikipedia Sounds like you had fun, and you hit the ball! Congrats!
You guys, I just had to issue an update: tonight I skinned my knee sliding into third base and IT WAS AWESOME!
@nikipedia YOU GOT ALL THE WAY TO THIRD?! I want you on my team.
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