Softball is a sport that so many girls love and live to play. Thankfully, it is growing in popularity. But unfortunately, it is still not very well known by some and is frankly not respected by others. However, there are some things that are said to us that really should not be. Some are said out of lack of knowledge of the game, which is completely understandable, but there's also the snarky comments said out of a lack of respect. Either way, here's a list of some things we may be a little tired of hearing.
1. "How's baseball going?"
Softball. Not baseball. Softball. There's a difference.
2. "That ball doesn't hurt. That's why they call it a softball."
Oh no, it doesn't hurt at all. Hop in a batters box and I'll show you!
3. "Is the bow theory about softball players really true?"
Can this please just stop? This is just annoying. Some girls wear bows. Some don't. It doesn't really matter.
4. "Honey, softball is ruining your legs."
I know, but I just really love strawberries, bruises, and scars on my legs. Thank you for pointing it out, though.
5. "Do you not miss having a summer since you play travel ball all the time?"
Seriously, what is better than traveling while playing the sport you love with your best friends all summer? The answer is nothing.
6. "You softball players are a bunch of tomboys."
Some are. Some aren't. Truth be known, we all really don't like to be stereotyped.
7. "You clean up nice for a softball player."
Yes, thank you for forgetting there's a regular girl under the dirty uniform. Simply saying, "You look nice" will work next time.
8. "Have you ever thought of playing something a little more feminine?"
Actually, most of us do play other sports. But thank you for the suggestion.
9. "Y'all don't even have a pro league, do y'all?"
Yes, yes we do. It's the National Pro Softball League and some of the best to ever play the game are still playing in this league.
10. "I bet I can hit it further than you."
Just stop with this. You don't want to challenge us.
11. "So how many girls on your team don't wear bows?"
Once again, this needs to stop.
12. "Softball coaches are just too rough."
No, no they're not. They're teaching us life lessons. Yes, they may yell. Yes, they may be hard on us. But they are making us better prepared for the world.
13. "At least you don't have to run a lot like other sports."
Oh, yes. We never condition. Nope. What are poles? Of course, I've never ran sprints. Four miles? Hills? All of it in one day? Never.
14. "I bet you can't strike me out."
Once again, don't challenge a softball player. We take it pretty seriously.
15. "I can't believe you wear makeup/jewelry while playing."
I am still a feminine girl.
16. "How does your boyfriend feel about you playing all the time?"
Oh, I forgot to ask him. I'm sorry.
17. "Don't you think you're too competitive sometimes?"
I work day in and day out to help my team win every time we take the field. So, no, I don't think I'm too competitive.
18. "Why don't you/do you wear a face mask?"
Each player has a preference. Please don't pressure us either way.
19. "It's not like softball is going to benefit you later in life."
Actually, yes it will, without a doubt. Softball teaches us to have a strong work ethic, to always work hard, to be determined to reach your goals, and to work together with others. It may not seem that great to some and it may not make any sense at all to dedicate our lives to this sport, but we love the game and that's what it's all about.
