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As a softball player, cleaning your bat is an essential thing to do. A softball bat is one of the main components of the game you use in throwing and swinging. However, as time goes on, this bat accumulates dirt as it is being used continuously. Therefore, you need to clean them regularly else they will look dirty, especially if you are using a light-colored one, which is something I knew you wouldn’t like. To make your softball bat looks cleaner, you will have to clean it from time to time. I’m sure the question that’s now popping on your mind is how you can clean a softball bat, and is it safe to do so? Worry not, In this article we shall discuss the different methods used in cleaning it. But before then, let’s take a look at the definition of Softball and the benefits of playing the game.
What is a Softball
Softball is a very similar sport, except that the ball is a bit larger, about 11 to 16 in circumference. The field also has a base length of 60 feet, and the pitcher’s mound is usually 35 to 43 feet away from the home plate. However, all these depend on the type of Softball played.
Softball’s history dates back to 1887 when a Chicago board of trade reporter, George Hancock, formulated the ‘indoor baseball.’ In 1888, the game spread to the outdoors, times it was popularly known as kitten ball, mushball, or indoor baseball. It, however, acquires the name Softball In the 1920s. By 1933, the sport has become recognized in the United States of America, and the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) was formed. Originally, only men play Softball, but after the Amateur Softball Association of America’s founding, women started to play the game too.
Benefits of Softball
Softball is a fun sport that doesn’t hurt. But apart from the fun, do we get anything from playing the game? Yes, we do. Softball has many benefits to our physical and mental health. Below, we shall discuss a few of the benefits of playing Softball:
It Improves the mental health.
A softball is a form of exercise, and we know that exercise isn’t just good for your body but also your mind. Taking part in exercises helps clear your mind and release endorphins that will help you in other aspects of your life.
Apart from that, the game teaches you to think and act critically and creatively, as you will be working with a team of coaches and team members to achieve a common goal.
It Provides Total Body Conditioning
Softball prepares your body to take action on whatever comes its way be it, running, swinging, throwing, or fielding. It makes your muscles to be coordinated and makes you learn several skills.
Swinging and throwing a bat also requires you to develop shoulder and arm muscles to swing or throw effectively without injuring yourself. Softball is such a game that no muscle is left behind when playing.
It Increases Flexibility
Softball makes its players strong as it preoccupies them with many tasks at one time. But not only that, but it also makes them flexible, especially when you are feeling tight. It enables you to stretch your body parts properly and effectively, making you more flexible.
Playing Softball also enables you to build confidence, reduces stress, and makes you resistant to your day to day activities.
Apart from these, it helps form everlasting friendships, boosts self-esteem, and helps players develop leadership skills.
Two Best Methods Used in Cleaning Softball Bat
As we all know, no matter how you tried, you can’t keep your bat clean; it must stain and get marks. But do you know that having a clean bat doesn’t affect your game? It just makes it look tidy and makes it more durable.
Below we shall share the two best methods you can use in cleaning your softball bats.
Soap and Water Method
The soap and water method is the most common method used in cleaning softball bats. In this method, you use warm water and soap with a soft cotton cloth to remove dirt on your bat. This is a simple and gentle method that you can easily remove marks and stains; however, it doesn’t work for some stains and marks.
This method is a harmless one as the chances of damaging your bat when cleaning it are narrow. However, removing some stains and marks might take time, and you’ll find yourself fed up with scrubbing an area for a long time, which might also end up damaging the paint of your bat. To reduce this stress for you, we’ve come up with another method of cleaning your softball bat.
Specialized Products Method
If you are afraid of damaging your softball bat with soap and water, you can opt for a specialized product method. These are products that you can find in Sports stores, and they can be used in cleaning bats effectively without damaging the paint.
Unfortunately, using these products isn’t the right option as they aren’t readily available in the market. Hence, there are some natural products that you can use.
Conclusion
Over time, Olive oil has proven to be an effective way of cleaning stubborn stains. Rub it on your bat for some minutes, then scrub the stains afterward. Another natural method of cleaning Softball is using warm water and lemon juice. Mix the two and gently scrub it and leave it for few seconds, then you wash it. You can also try vinegar and water 75% by 25%, spray it on your softball bat, leave it for a minute or two then scrub it.
The last option you can use in removing stubborn stains is alcohol. Just rub it on the spot then scrub it. However, this isn’t the best option for you as it makes your Softball vulnerable to damages.
