Never underestimate
the other team.
Don't bother holding a grudge against an umpire; it
isn't worth it.
Umpires are people too, and they make
errors just like you and me.
If you invite a substitute to fill a vacant spot,
treat that person like
a
royal guest.
Never heckle a pitcher, especially if that person is
new to the job.
Try to have fun, whether you're winning or losing.
Otherwise, there's
no point
to playing.
Be respectful of
the other team, even if they do not treat your team
similarly.
Your sportsmanship on the field will quickly
get
known throughout
the league.
Don't let that
loud-talking batter fool you.
Sometimes, the loudest
player is the worst,
the quietest the best, and everybody else falls
somewhere in
between.
You're never too good or too important to sit on the
bench every once in a while.
Always run to first base, even when you bat a fly
ball. An error might
stretch your
pop fly into a single or double.
If your team has a uniform, wear it.
Don't question your coach's or manager's judgment
in front of the
team.
If you do have a suggestion for your coach,
manager, or fellow player, do it privately.
If somebody makes an error, she already knows she
made a mistake.
Don't remind her.
If somebody makes a particularly bad error, don't
make her relive it.
She is already
in enough embarrassment.
Don't measure your talent against players on your
own team.
Never chastise another player when others can hear
you.
If you're fortunate enough to play on a good team,
treat it like a
privilege.
Always respect your
fellow players, even if they don't give you
immediate reasons to
do so.
Cheer for your pitcher, even when she throws poorly.
Being on the mound
is
the toughest job on the field.
When you're catching a hit, especially a bouncing
one, always
try to get your body
in front of it like a goalie.
You may take a bounce
off the chest, but you
will stop the ball, and your teammates
will respect you for it.
If you can show up early, offer to install the
bases and assist the
umps with
setup. Even if it is not
your home team's
responsibility,
your effort will be
remembered by other ball players.
Before you borrow a teammate's expensive bat, ask
first.
If you're winning big, don't rub it in. Being cocky
will haunt you one day.
If you are the batter on deck, tell the runner
coming home whether
she needs to slide
or not.
Unless you're looking a brawl, do NOT run into the
baseman.
Basemen: remember to make room for the runner
whenever the play
is not to you.
The same person that let you down one game, may win
it for
you next time.
There is always a next time.
Always shake hands,
thank the umpire, and clean up after yourself
before you leave.
Most of all, leave the game on the field, where it
belongs.
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