: I believe in Softball

I believe in competition and camaraderie.

I believe in bracket play, bubble gum, and bang-bang plays.

I believe that practice attendance and preparation wins games.

I believe that there is more to being a good batter than being a good hitter.

I believe in being relaxed on defense until the batter lifts her front foot.

I believe it's okay to use defensive shifts to play the odds and head games.

I believe in checking on the condition of injured opponents.

I believe players should applaud opponents after they make great defensive plays.

I believe players can get better with age.

I believe taking winter batting practice with a cheap bat helps to hit summer homers with an expensive bat.

I believe in running out routine grounders, lazy fly balls, no matter how frustrated I am.

I believe it is better to be a smart base runner than a fast one.

I believe in the nervous anticipation of a play at the plate.

I believe in the magical moment of recognition after contact on a "no-doubter" homerun.

I believe in catchers who talk junk and pitchers who throw it.

I believe in infielders who think getting dirty is part of the job description.

I believe in fast outfielders who do not hug the lines or play too deep.

I believe in rattling bats can wake them up, and uncrossing them can avoid bad luck.

I believe in wiping the morning dew off a ball and squinting into the sunset.

I believe in saving an equipment catalog until the next issue replaces it.

I believe in photos, autographed balls and scorebook pages can be better than trophies.

I believe there is no off season - just a longer wait until the next game.

I believe in butterflies of opening day and the long drive home after the final game.

I believe in showing appreciation to "family" and friends who came to watch me play.

I believe in thanking the umps when the game is over, regardless of the score.

I believe the final score is just part of the overall experience.

I BELIEVE IN SOFTBALL!