Whether you’re rounding third or snagging a line drive in the outfield, every player—regardless of skill level—shares a common truth: baseball and softball are games of precision, patience, and passion. But let’s face it, even the most dedicated athletes have their limits. From bad calls to broken bats, there’s no shortage of baseball pet peeves and softball pet peeves that make players and fans collectively cringe.
At JustBats, we live and breathe the game—and we’ve heard it all. Here’s a roundup of the top pet peeves that unite the baseball and softball communities in a symphony of sighs, groans, and the occasional eye-roll.
A coach shouldn't be on your pet peeves list; check out our Bat Coach to get a personalized recommendation below.
1. The “Ump Show”
One of the universal baseball and softball pet peeves? Umpires making the game about themselves. Excessive dramatics, inconsistent strike zones, or "phantom tags" can send players and coaches over the edge.
While we are all on board with the Savannah Bananas umpires stealing the show, we hope this doesn't happen when you're up to the plate!
2. Over-Celebrating Routine Plays
Sure, we love enthusiasm—but let’s not throw a victory parade for a routine ground ball out. One of the classic softball pet peeves is excessive celebration on the basics. Save the fireworks for the walk-off home run.
3. Bat Flipping… on a Walk
Speaking of celebrations—bat flips can be iconic, but flipping your bat after a walk? That’s just adding another notch to the baseball pet peeves list.
Do you think this one was a little excessive from a big leaguer?
4. The Cage Hog
Whether it’s in the batting cage or during team practice, there’s always that one player who takes forever to get their cuts in. Fair is fair—share the cage, share the love.
5. Broken Bats at the Worst Time
You just stepped up to the plate with two runners in scoring position. Crack—there goes your bat. Nothing stings more than breaking your favorite stick mid-game. (Pro tip: Stock up at JustBats, where we’ve got bats built for durability and performance.)6. Rainouts After a Long Drive
You drove two hours to the field, warmed up, and then… the downpour hits. Mother Nature is undefeated, and so is the frustration that follows.
7. The Endless Warm-Up Routine
Stretching is essential, but when the pre-game warm-up takes longer than the game itself? That’s prime material for both softball and baseball pet peeves.
8. Late Lineup Changes
You’re mentally prepped for batting second—and then the coach re-shuffles the lineup minutes before game time. Cue the internal monologue of frustration.
9. “That’s Not My Position!”
Nothing rattles a player quite like being placed in a position they’ve never practiced. Outfield? Sure. Pitcher? Wait, what?
We can only imagine what some of the best in the game hear "Get warmed up to pitch" from an MLB manager, and they are an outfield. Check out this flame thrower below!
10. Pitchers Who Take Ages Between Pitches
Tempo is everything. Long pauses between pitches can drag down the pace of play, testing the patience of everyone from the batter to the fans.
11. Loud Parents from the Stands
Support is great, but the peanut gallery doesn’t need to coach from the bleachers. Excessive yelling—especially incorrect advice—tops many players’ softball and baseball pet peeves list.
12. No Walk-Up Song Privileges
Let’s be honest, a walk-up song adds hype. Being denied your chance to pick one? That’s just salt in the wound.
13. Sliding into a Base That’s Too Soft… or Too Hard
Inconsistent field maintenance can lead to unexpected (and uncomfortable) landings. Fields, we’re looking at you.
Want to avoid this? Check out MegRem's sliding video below that will help you deal with questionable bases with a hook slide.
14. Losing a Ball in the Sun—or Stadium Lights
No glove, no problem—unless you can't see the ball. Missing a catch due to blinding lights or the sun is a frustration that’s hard to live down.
15. Forgetting Your Bat (or Glove)
It’s game day, you’re pumped, and then it hits you—you left your bat at home. Trust us, this is one of those pet peeves that’s completely avoidable with a good gear checklist (and a backup bat from JustBats).
Play Better, Play Smarter—Minus the Pet Peeves
While pet peeves are part of the game, being prepared can minimize the frustration. Whether it’s having a reliable bat, the right gear, or simply sharing a laugh about these quirks, JustBats is here to help you focus on what matters: playing your best game.
Shop the latest baseball and softball bats at JustBats and leave your pet peeves in the dugout.
Got questions? Our team of Bat Experts is standing by. Reach out via live chat, email, or give us a call or text at 1-866-321-2287.
&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justbats.com%2fblog%2fpost%2fbaseball-and-softball-pet-peeves%2f){kind=small}
