Softball - what is the point of it?

[Dreadlifter]

I'm not being a dick, i just don't get it. Is it simply for those who can't do baseball? I don't know too much about it other than the different pitching style and different ball so please educate me guys.

[The Showstoppa]

It's for young girls, school PE class and guys who once played baseball and want to relive some past glory.

[Dos Equis]

It's for young girls, school PE class and guys who once played baseball and want to relive some past glory.

lol   

 

[Grape Ape]

I'm not being a dick, i just don't get it. Is it simply for those who can't do baseball? I don't know too much about it other than the different pitching style and different ball so please educate me guys.

It's just a game people like to play, and it's easier to play (and umpire) than baseball, so it has a wider appeal.

Like any game there's different levels of play.  I've played in leagues where guys hit softballs that would go out of any major league baseball stadium, but I've played against players who I thought would end up hurting themselves just being out there.

As for pitching, there's a ton of varities - slow pitch, windmill fast-pitch, slingshot, modified, etc....

The game is easily tailored to what people want to get out of it - fun, competition, etc....

[Dos Equis]

It's just a game people like to play, and it's easier to play (and umpire) than baseball, so it has a wider appeal.

Like any game there's different levels of play.  I've played in leagues where guys hit softballs that would go out of any major league baseball stadium, but I've played against players who I thought would end up hurting themselves just being out there.

As for pitching, there's a ton of varities - slow pitch, windmill fast-pitch, slingshot, modified, etc....

The game is easily tailored to what people want to get out of it - fun, competition, etc....

Yeah.  It really is a lot of fun. 

[Grape Ape]

Before I got married, I played about five-six games a week - 2 fast, 2 modified, one slow.  Never got sick of it.

[tonymctones]

played my first game ever today with some friends, loved it hahahha

fun as shit, I would love to join a league and play a couple of times a week now...

would have said the same as the OP before today but it really is alot of fun.

[Dos Equis]

played my first game ever today with some friends, loved it hahahha

fun as shit, I would love to join a league and play a couple of times a week now...

would have said the same as the OP before today but it really is alot of fun.

Better be careful.  It is addictive.  And dangerous.   

[tonymctones]

Better be careful.  It is addictive.  And dangerous.   

it is i already want to sign up for a league, I played yesterday with a left handed glove even though I throw left handed so im going to go out and buy a glove for next time. LOL id had to catch the ball take off the glove and then throw the ball.

gonna try and go to the batting cages too...

[Dos Equis]

it is i already want to sign up for a league, I played yesterday with a left handed glove even though I throw left handed so im going to go out and buy a glove for next time. LOL id had to catch the ball take off the glove and then throw the ball.

gonna try and go to the batting cages too...

Be careful what you wish for.  Batting cages, lots of money on a glove and bat, bat alterations, ethical dilemmas about altered bats.  Ok, the last one is just me.     But you're going to have a lot of fun.  You'll see how huge the sport is.  I had no idea. 

[Grape Ape]

Be careful what you wish for.  Batting cages, lots of money on a glove and bat, bat alterations, ethical dilemmas about altered bats.  Ok, the last one is just me.     But you're going to have a lot of fun.  You'll see how huge the sport is.  I had no idea. 

There is no ethical dilemma.  You're either a cheater, or you're not.

[Dos Equis]

There is no ethical dilemma.  You're either a cheater, or you're not.

True . . . if your league follows ASA rules, which specifically prohibit altered bats. 

But it's almost like the sauce in bodybuilding:  pretty much everyone uses. 

[Grape Ape]

True . . . if your league follows ASA rules, which specifically prohibit altered bats.  

But it's almost like the sauce in bodybuilding:  pretty much everyone uses.  

You must play in a league with a bunch of shitheads.  Anyone who uses painted/shaved etc. bats is a fucking dirtbag.  It can literally kill a pitcher.  I've played in state tournaments, against players who were actually paid to play, etc. but never would I think winning a game was worth injuring someone.

The advanced leagues are starting to require face masks and shin guards for pitchers, and that's with legal bats.

Now, if a league is open and doesn't follow ASA or USSSA, fine.  But a lot of times those leagues are recreational, and using illegal bats is even worse.

Plus, if you (not YOU BB, just in general) can't hit bullets or bombs with legal Mikens, Synergys and the like, you should find a new game.  The legal bats are advanced enough.    I have a guy who I played with for 17 years who is an excellent defender get his face broken, and that was at third base.

[Dos Equis]

You must play in a league with a bunch of shitheads.  Anyone who uses painted/shaved etc. bats is a fucking dirtbag.  It can literally kill a pitcher.  I've played in state tournaments, against players who were actually paid to play, etc. but never would I think winning a game was worth injuring someone.

The advanced leagues are starting to require face masks and shin guards for pitchers, and that's with legal bats.

Now, if a league is open and doesn't follow ASA or USSSA, fine.  But a lot of times those leagues are recreational, and using illegal bats is even worse.

Plus, if you (not YOU BB, just in general) can't hit bullets or bombs with legal Mikens, Synergys and the like, you should find a new game.  The legal bats are advanced enough.    I have a guy who I played with for 17 years who is an excellent defender get his face broken, and that was at third base.

I think it's going to take someone in our league getting seriously injured before they crack down on juiced bats.  Every team in my league uses them, and we have between 24 and 28 teams most years.  Every member of my team uses them, except me and one other guy.

And I agree they're really unnecessary.  One of my former teammates played minor league ball and he uses them.  He doesn't need them.   

I don't think my league is unique. 

[CalvinH]

I think it's going to take someone in our league getting seriously injured before they crack down on juiced bats.  Every team in my league uses them, and we have between 24 and 28 teams most years.  Every member of my team uses them, except me and one other guy.

And I agree they're really unnecessary.  One of my former teammates played minor league ball and he uses them.  He doesn't need them.   

I don't think my league is unique. 

The problem is your league is not unique....thats why lots of leagues are starting to supply the bats now.

[Grape Ape]

I think it's going to take someone in our league getting seriously injured before they crack down on juiced bats.  Every team in my league uses them, and we have between 24 and 28 teams most years.  Every member of my team uses them, except me and one other guy.

And I agree they're really unnecessary.  One of my former teammates played minor league ball and he uses them.  He doesn't need them.   

I don't think my league is unique. 

24 and 28 teams?  That's actually fantastic.  Sounds pretty cool.

But, someone will eventually get hurt.  I'm surprised it hasn't happened.

[Dos Equis]

The problem is your league is not unique....thats why lots of leagues are starting to supply the bats now.

That's really the only way to ensure nobody is using juiced bats. 

[Dos Equis]

24 and 28 teams?  That's actually fantastic.  Sounds pretty cool.

But, someone will eventually get hurt.  I'm surprised it hasn't happened.

It is pretty cool.  It's a great league.  Great collection of players, young and old.  We have one team called the "Masters" that consists of old guys.  Everyone on the team is 55 or older, some much older.  Very good team.  I hate those guys.   

I'm taking a year off for the first time in a while.  I'll probably play again next year. 

[Grape Ape]

It is pretty cool.  It's a great league.  Great collection of players, young and old.  We have one team called the "Masters" that consists of old guys.  Everyone on the team is 55 or older, some much older.  Very good team.  I hate those guys.   

I'm taking a year off for the first time in a while.  I'll probably play again next year. 

That sounds awesome.  It's a shame about the bats, although I'd give the 55+ guys the right to use them.

[Dos Equis]

That sounds awesome.  It's a shame about the bats, although I'd give the 55+ guys the right to use them.

I wouldn't give those old farts any kind of advantage.  They don't need it.  They finish in the top half of the bracket most years. 

[Grape Ape]

I wouldn't give those old farts any kind of advantage.  They don't need it.  They finish in the top half of the bracket most years. 

I believe it.  Older guys don't panic or press.

[Dos Equis]

I believe it.  Older guys don't panic or press.

Very fundamentally sound team too.  They have a guy with one hand who plays in the outfield.  Bats with one hand.  Pretty darn good player. 

[The Abdominal Snoman]

Its a drinking game bro. Nothing more nothing less.

The funniest is watching some of these "ex athletes" take it so serious. There's always the douchebag with the wrapped hurt knee but still is so how able to get himself to the game and hammer thru the pain. LOL




Someone should send Carl Spackler over to Buster's Poser's house so he can cut the ligament in his hamstring. That way when the he goes to hit the ball, he'll never be able to catch up and push everything foul to the right. He'll get so frustrated he'll have to quit the game.

[Grape Ape]

Its a drinking game bro. Nothing more nothing less.

Facing 70 mph cut fastballs that are the MLB equivalent of 102 mph isn't a drinking game.

There's varying levels of the game.

[The Abdominal Snoman]

Facing 70 mph cut fastballs that are the MLB equivalent of 102 mph isn't a drinking game.

There's varying levels of the game.

Do you or any of your teammates wear a knee brace while playing?