Signed up for co-ed softball team but I am so bad - question

[Anonymous]

Hi--
A friend invited me and the bf to play on a softball team. We've been looking for something like this to do, so we said yes. When me and bf went to throw the softball around the other day and I was just remarkably bad- I got better as the hour went on but I can't do anything right (my stance, catching ability, throwing, uncoordinated, etc)- I just haven't played a sport in a very long time.
We're all in our late 20's and it's not really a big deal- just a weeknight thing for fun, but I'm getting self conscious about it as the days go on (we start in 2 weeks) because the majority of people we hang out with that are on the team, are all pretty athletic, and I don't want to be girl on the field that brings the rest of the team down.
I know, I know, it's really not a big deal- but has anyone been in this situation? I understand the general idea and rules of the game, but there's so many other details I need to learn. Additionally, what position do I play if I basically suck?

[Anonymous]

Well, you will get a lot of people who will tell you it won't matter, etc. but in truth, if you are not willing to practice a lot on your own, yes you will bring the team down and while people will be nice they will likely be talking about you behind your back.

Teams for people in their late 20's are for those who played the sport when they are younger or for those who are really looking to learn to play and are really going to invest time and energy into it.

[Anonymous]

Ignore PP. Unless you joined some uber competitive team, all you have to be is nice and relable. Finding a girl who shows up is usually half the battle. You'll probably catch or play 2nd base. There is at least one truly terrible girl on every coed softball team I've ever played on. Nobody talks shit about them.

[Anonymous]

Former short-stop here. You won't be anywhere near the infield...right field will be the position that gets less action (unless there are a bunch of left-handed batters).

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you. The first PP- I do appreciate your input. I really don't want to be 'that' girl- I am willing to put in the time to practice, which I am this evening and a few other days before our first game-- even if I still suck.
Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement- they're all nice people I'm playing with, I just tend to over analyze these things.

[Anonymous]

Op I've played on lots of different sports teams (recreational) as an adult. I think there is a difference between incapable of playing the sport and playing the sport poorly. Usually people only get frustrated if someone can't play at all (ducks every time the volleyball comes near them type thing). If you just play poorly that is fine, you will get better as the season goes on. What I would say is make up for it so that you are still valuable to the team (be reliable in showing up, be on time, be encouraging, offer to collect money) whatever...just create a role for yourself on the team, it doesn't have to be softball superstar.

[Anonymous]

Ahh those days of softball...i can only reminesice now since my playing days are over (due to kids). i use to play on beer drinking leagues and competitive leagues and coed is basically for fun and socializing. You really don't gain much exercise from softball like lot of beginners think, it's more skill-oriented athletics. But most people will find themselves getting better as the season goes on and may enjoy playing or find out it's not really for them. It depends on the team and coach as setting the atmosphere and how supportive they are; you could play with bunch of meatheads and not be very fun. Far as what position to play, you could always start out as catcher which is the least demanding position until you gain more experience.

[Anonymous]

Just bring beer for after the game and everyone will be glad you're on the team.