The outfield grass is green, the days are long and sunny, even the birds seem to chirp the tune to Take Me Out to the Ball Game. It's time for recreational softball and, if you're like me, you're itching to get into a game! But before you put on your team t-shirt and lace up your sneakers, there are a few ideas I'd like to share that will help make the game more fun for players of every skill-level. Yes, as a grizzled softball vet, I feel the time has finally come for me to impart my knowledge.
We all know that recreational leagues are about having fun, building comaraderie, and getting your team spirit on. Everyone should have a chance to play, regardless of skill level or experience. If you manage to win a few games here and there, it's a nice bonus, but it's not really the point. That being said, it's always good to see your teammates keeping their heads in the game and playing as a team. No one likes to be stuck on the field for 30 minutes, struggling to get three outs while the opponent bats around the line-up twice. With that in mind, here are three easy tips - for rookies and veterans alike - that will help keep the game moving.
1. GET THE OUT
I hear it every year. Your team takes the field for the first time and someone yells "Get the lead runner!". In the grand scheme of baseball strategy, this is pretty solid advice - or so it seems. In reality, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen this nugget of wisdom turn out well for a recreational softball team. That's because there is another, oft-overlooked, fundamental of defense that overrides all others: make sure to get an out (lead runner or not)! This is true at every level, all the way up to the Major Leagues, but especially significant on a team of players with mixed throwing and catching abilities. I've seen it happen a hundred times. A soft groundball is hit to the second baseman with runners on first and second. Rather than flip the ball to the closest base for an easy out, the fielder tries to throw across the infield when there is no real shot for a play at third base. The result? All runners are safe and the inning becomes a little longer. If you have a clear shot at getting the lead runner, go for it, but if there is any doubt... make sure to get an out.
2. HAVE A PLAN
When the ball is hit in your direction, everyone suddenly seems to become your personal coach. One teammate yells "Throw the ball to second!", another yells "Throw home! Throw home!", while a voice from the sidelines chimes in "No play! Hold the ball!". The poor fielder's head starts to spin and he/she ends up throwing the ball away, allowing multiple runs to score and the inning to drag on. One way to block out the conflicting voices and keep your head in the game is to have a plan in place before the pitch is even thrown. As the next batter is walking to the plate, say to yourself "If the ball is hit to me on the ground, I'm going to do X [e.g. step on the bag and throw to first]. If the ball is hit to me in the air, I'm going to do Y [e.g. catch it and check the runners for a potential double play]." Now if the ball is hit your way, you already know what to do. You can complete the play without that error-inducing moment of head-spinning panic.
3. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PLAY, DON'T MAKE A THROW
Listen up third basemen and shortstops. If the runner is a half-a-step away from reaching first base, and the ball is still in your glove, chances are you don't have a play. There are two likely outcomes that could result from a throw in this scenerio. The first baseman catches your throw after the runner has already safely arrived at the bag, or the rushed throw sails over the first baseman's head allowing all runners to advance. The team has nothing to gain by your throw, but it does have something to lose. I see this happen far more with experienced players than with anyone else. This is another fundamental rule of defense: make the batter earn each base. If he/she is able to beat out an infield hit, so be it. That's an earned base. But don't gift wrap an additional base by risking a bad throw. I used a grounder to third or shortstop in my example, but it applies to all bases in all situations. If you don't have a play, don't make a throw.
Thus ends my unsolicited advice. If you've ever played in a recreational league, you know that high-scoring games are far more common than shut-outs. Accept that your opponent is going to score some runs. Getting the three simplest outs as quickly as possible is a more effective strategy than trying to keep them off the scoreboard with overly-aggressive defense. Above all, remember you're there to have fun! Ask yourself what kind of league you're in. If you are a fierce competitor who finds it challenging to be patient with your beginner teammates, perhaps there are competitive leagues out there that you would find more enjoyable. Besides, no one's going to be thinking about who won or lost later that evening while your team is enjoying a pint at the local pub.
Photos by Danial Orange: 1. a youth tournament in Maryland; 2. a statue of defensive wiz Ozzie Smith outside of Busch Stadium in St. Louis; 3. the Judy Johnson statue outside the minor league stadium in Wilmington (Deleware); 4. the Ty Cobb statue outside of Turner Field in Atlanta.
