I need to build some camaraderie on my team. They seem to all get along but I want them to have a vested interest in the team and in each other at least while we are together. How do you all do this?
Really great topic and question. Very hard to answer, though.
First thoughts that come to my mind is that teams that get along well and pull for each other are often those where each player feels she is a valued member of the team, is comfortable with her role on the team and doesn't feel threatened. It's kinda like when your daughter is having a good tournament, you find yourself as a parent being a lot happier for everyone else's daughter than maybe you would've been if your DD is 0-for-10. I think the same dynamic exists with players. When they're happy with their place on the team, they have an easier time being happy for others.
What makes this challenging is that a travel softball team is a competitive enterprise. Not everybody can play their favorite position. So I don't know the best way to balance this and bring about the kind of united team spirit that you're looking for. I've seen teams that have it, and they also tend to have what I said - contentment w/ their roles. Just not clear on how to achieve it.
And finally, telling them what it means to be a team player, cheer for each other, etc., works only to a point, IMO. That has to come from the heart, not the coach.