I believe in competition and camaraderie.  I believe in brackets, bubble gum, and bang bang plays.  I believe that attitude and preperation win games.  I believe there is more to being a good batter than just being a good hitter.  I believe in being relaxed on defense until the batter lifts her front foot.  I believe it's ok to use defensive plays & shifts to play the odds, and head games.  I believe in checking on the condition of injured oppenents.  I believe players should applaud opponents after they make a great defensive play.  I believe players can get better with age.  I believe taking winter BP with a dead bat helps to hit summer homers with a hot bat.  I believe in running out routine grounders and 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 after contact on a "no doubter" home run.  I believe in catchers who talk junk and pitchers who throw it.  I believe in infielders who think getting dirty is a part of the job description.  I believe in fast outfielders who do not hug the lines or play too deep.  I believe rattling the 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 catolog until the next issue replaces it. I believe photos, autographed balls and scorebook pages can be better than trophies and t-shirts.  I BELIEVE THERE IS NO OFF SEASON, JUST A LONGER WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT GAME.  I believe in showing appreciation to your family and friends who come to watch you play.  I believe in thanking the umps when the game is over, regardless of the score. I believe the final score is part of the overall experience.  I BELIEVE IN SOFTBALL!!!

-Author Unknown