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Softball
This category includes questions about the different softball leagues and information about how to play the game.
1,976 Questions
Is there a book called softball for dummies?
There is not a specific book on Softball for Dummies, but there are many other books that can help you if you need to find out more about softball.
nonmechanical
Distance from first base to third base fastpitch softball?
the bases in soft ball are generally 45 to 65 feet apart.
Use the Pythagorean theorem square root of C is equal to a^2 + b^2
Where a and b are the two base lines a - between first and second and b - between second and third... in most cases a and b should be equal numbers... square them and add them then take the square root of that to find your diagonal line through the square or diamond from third base to first base. Lets say the distance between the bases is 45 feet.
so the distance between first and third is the square root of 45 squared + 45 squared
2025 + 2025 = 4050
square root of 4050 is your answer
63.64 feet between first and third on a softball diamond that has 45 feet separation between bases.
Exactly how far is it from home plate to the pictcher's mound?
In MLB, the front slope of the pitching mound begins 54' from the back point of home plate.
If a runner crosses the plate before the third out is called does the run score.?
The batter will need to reach 1st base safely (credited with reaching safely by hit or error) before any runs count on a play where a 3rd out is recorded. If the batter and all runners required to run advance to the next base safely, any player crossing the plate before the out will count. If all players required to run DO NOT safely advance then no runs will count even if they cross the plate before the out is recorded
(much like many rules in baseball there are several scenerios, those need to be discussed on the discussion page)
When is tagging used in softball?
You can tag a runner anytime but it's most important to tag a runner when it's not a force out play. When a baserunner runs to the next base without a runner behind him he must be tagged out before reaching base.
Is baseball and softball the same?
the two are pretty much the same. the only things different are that in baseball the runner can lead off earlier, and the pitches are over hand. in softball the runner has to wait until the ball is pitched before leading off, and the pitches are under hand. some of the rules are different but that's it.
By rule, there are four criteria for a sacrifice fly. 1) The ball is hit to the outfield, 2) The batter is out because an outfielder made the catch or an infielder made the catch in the outfield, 3) There are less than two outs, 4) A runner already on base scores after the catch. The official scorer has the option of giving a batter a sacrifice fly in instances when all four rules are not met. For example, if the outfielder drops what appeared to be an easy fly ball, the scorer could charge the outfielder with an error and award the batter a sacrifice fly. The answer to this question is yes, the batter would be awarded an RBI.
What position in softball is between first and second base?
This position is called shortstop. They act as a cut-off form the outfield on plays that require a relay. They also usually take the throw from the catcher to second base to tag a runner stealing the base.
What is an illegal pitch in softball?
It is called a "balk."
Most basically, a pitcher is restricted to a certain set of motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during a pitch; if these are violated, a balk is called.
With a runner on base and the pitcher on or astride (with one leg on each side of) the rubber, it is a balk when the pitcher:
- switches his pitching position from the windup to the set (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber;
- while on the rubber, makes a motion associated with his pitch and does not complete the delivery;
- when going from the stretch to the set position, fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch;
- throws from the rubber to a base without stepping toward (gaining distance in the direction of) that base;
- throws or feints a throw from the rubber to an unoccupied base, unless a play is imminent;
- steps or feints from the rubber to first base without completing the throw;
- pitches a quick return, that is, delivers with the intent to catch the batter off-guard or defenseless;
- pitches or mimics a part of his pitching motion while not in contact with the rubber;
- drops the ball while on the rubber, even if by accident, if the ball does not subsequently cross a foul line;
- while intentionally walking a batter, or at any other time, releases a pitch while the catcher is out of his box with one or both feet; this is rarely called, though, especially on an intentional walk;
- unnecessarily delays the game;
- pitches while facing away from the batter;
- after bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw;
- stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball; or
- throws to first when the first baseman, because of his distance from the base, is unable to make a play on the runner there.
It should be noted that the pitcher's acts of spitting on the ball, defacing or altering the ball, rubbing the ball on the clothing or body, or applying a foreign substance to the ball, are not balks. If done intentionally, these actions result in immediate ejection for the pitcher, the result of a rule change made prior to the 2008 season.
Why will a baseball go farther then a softball when you throw it?
An object with less mass will have a greater speed when the same amount of energy is expended into it. Thus, a baseball will be going much faster than a softball at the time it is thrown. For the same angle of launch, an object will go further when it has a higher velocity (a fairly trivial and simple fact).
Additionally, an object with greater surface area is slowed much quicker than one with less surface area. The baseball experiences less drag at the same speed than the softabll; while it is travelling faster and experiences greater drag as a result, it will also go further before being remotely near to the speed of the softball.
Total bases is not relevant with pinch runners. Total bases is only relevant with batters and is a statistical category used to measure a baseball player's effectiveness at the plate. So the pinch runner would be credited with 0 total bases. However, the run scored would be credited to the pinch runner.
Who is the youngest head coach in division 1 softball?
Now, Reynolds, just 24 years old, may be the youngest head coach in NCAA
In Little League can you use a tee ball bat in minors coach pitch?
No, BBCOR bats are not required for Travel Ball leagues. Travel Ball leagues are generally limited to bats bearing the USSSA stamp, but any bat that complies with the regulations may still be acceptable in some leagues.
What is the best fastpitch softball bat for 2010?
Anderson bats are the best in my mind.....I have coached for 25 years and the girls who are relatively strong with quick hands destroy softballs.....at the same time, it is alot of bat for girls who are not very strong.
It depends - are you a slapper, a power hitter, do you have slow bat speed or fast bat speed. The answers may be balanced, end-loaded, light drops (-11, -12). There is a great site - www.thecoachreviews.com - that reviews the Best Fastpitch Softball Bats. It also provides reviews from Players, Coaches and Parents. Also provides Top Rankings of Fastpitch Bats in several categories - Slappers, Power Hitters, Balanced, End-Loaded, Team Bats (8U, 10U, 12U), Composite and Non-Composites. Also, info on selection and care of Fastpitch Softball Bats: www.thecoachreviews.com
Read more: What_is_the_best_bat_to_use_in_fastpitch_softball
What is the difference between a first base mitt and fielders glove?
A first baseman's glove is larger and it has more padding that a fielder's glove. This is to get the most reach possible to catch wild throws. The padding is because the fielders are throwing the ball as hard as they can so that they can get the ball to first base before the batter reaches the base.
Note: Gloves are used by for Fielders - Pitchers, Infielders, Outfielders because they have fingers like a glove. Mitts are used by Catchers and First Baseman positions because they don't have fingers, like mittens.
The Coach - www.thecoachreviews.com
Information, Reviews and Rankings for over 50 Fastpitch Softball Gloves
How did softball become softball?
Softball was created by Ben Javitz on Thanksgiving of 1887 after a football game. after all of the bets were paid off, a couple of men grabbed a few boxing gloves and the handle of a broom and with chalk drew a diamond on the indoor football feild. there they rolled up a pair of old sox and played the first softball game. Of course this was Javitz's idea. although some people think it was pro baseball players that needed things to do in off season, that is not true! pros do have an off season but ar e always playing with a baseball! it
How far from home plate to the pitchers mound in junior high baseball?
Good question. Generally speaking you have two different levels of baseball being play during Middle Schools. Most kids are playing Major Little League up until the age of 13. Which is generally up till the 6th grade. Once the kids are over 13 or the 7th grade they then play Junior Baseball. While a child is in the Majors the mound is 46 feet from home plate. Once they move up to the next level then the mound is 60 ft 6 in from home plate. Charles
Who won the 1975 college wold series?
In 1985, the UCLA Bruins won the College World Series. They did not go undefeated in this series. They finished their season 41-9.
What is the difference between a softball and baseball uniforms?
baseball pants have two back pockets and a belt loop, softball pants have one or no back pockets, and have a string inside to tighten the waist or no string. Softball pants do NOT have a belt loop
It's called a full count according to my grandpa.
A batter is not awarded first base if the pitcher balks. If there is a runner on base, he is awarded the next base.
This question is nearly the same as another one on this site: "How many possible ways can a batter get to first base?"
The answer is that there are eight ways total to reach first base. If you take away "hit" from that list, you are left with seven ways to reach first without a hit being recorded:
1) Walk 2) Hit by Pitch 3) Reach on Error 4) Fielder's Choice 5) Dropped Third Strike 6) Catcher's Interference 7) Obstruction (aka fielder interference)
For a more complete discussion of this, check out the "How many possible ways can a batter get to first base?" question.
ANSWER
Based upon my research, there actually are a total of 10 statistically valid ways for a player to reach first base. 8 of them would be ways without recording a hit.
1) Hit
2) Walk (base on balls): Rule 6.08 (a)
3) Hit-by-Pitch: Rule 6.08 (b)
4) Error
5) Strike Out: When a third strike is not handled by the catcher and touches the ground before the play is completed with less than 2 outs and first base unoccupied or anytime there is 2 outs, allowing the batter to become a batter-runner and to reach first base safely. According to rule 10.13, this play should be officially scored as a strikeout and passed ball, a strikeout and wild pitch or a strikeout and a fielder's choice. The last option occurs if the dropped third strike results in a force out at a base other than first base.
6) Fielder's choice
7) Interference (When by a fielder on a batter, this will most frequently be as a result of catcher's interference when the bat touches the catcher's glove during the swing. But, this category accounts for any kind of interference that allows the batter-runner to reach first.) Rule 6.08 (c): "Rule 6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when-"... "(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire that he elects to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference."
8) Fielder's Obstruction (of a runner): (Rule 7.06 (a) is the one everyone seems to be missing so far.) "If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire's judgment, if there had been no obstruction."
9) A Sacrifice (see Note (C) below)
10) Drop third strike
Notes of discussion:
A) Number 7 and 8 above are listed separately because they are generally different in how they are ruled, as well as in the status of the player being interfered with/obstructed. Number 7 (in the case of catcher's [or possibly any fielder's] interference) involves interference of the player while he is still deemed to be a batter and number 8 involves the player after he has become a runner (denoted as the batter-runner until he reaches first or is out). The rulings are different in that in number 8, the play is called dead immediately and in number 7, the play is allowed to continue and the manager of the interfered player can be allowed to opt to accept the play instead of the interference penalty, if desired. I could easily see an argument for counting interference and obstruction items in one category as similar items. But, for the reasons noted, I am counting them as separate ways for a batter to reach first base.
B) There are many plays (odd or regularly occurring) that can result in the batter becoming a batter-runner and reaching first. But, each would be officially scored as one of the 9 ways listed above. I've seen some answers on here list double, triple and home run as separate items. Yes, the batter becomes a batter-runner and does technically reach first base (and beyond) with these. But, these ways (2B, 3B or HR) all officially count as a hit. There are also times when a ball hits a runner or an umpire in play which allows the batter-runner to reach first base safely. But, this also counts officially as a hit or the ball is ruled as still in play. Rule 6.08(d) states that "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when-"..."A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play."
There are many other examples of odd plays that some might consider as a different way for a batter to reach first base. But all of them have to be ruled as 1 of the 9 methods that are listed above in this answer.
As an additional thought in regards to note (B), I would like to specifically address some other listed items in other answers that I have seen here and elsewhere subsequent to my writing this answer. One answer lists interference by another runner and umpire interference separately, even though a general category for interference is already listed. Interference is interference. Rule 10.02(a)(1)(iv) and 10.02(a)(15) only requires the official scorer to account for times when a runner reaches first because of interference or obstruction. Another item mentions thrown equipment as a separate item. If a fielder throws their equipment at a ball in order to stop it, this would merely be a hit. There is no statistic for thrown equipment. At the most, an argument could be made to count it as a form of interference, for which a category also already exists.
C) Sacrifices specifically addressed-- It seems odd that a sacrifice can be counted as a way for a batter to reach first because, by definition, a sacrifice means to give up your at-bat as an out in order to move other runners along. However, rule 10.08 allows for ways that a play can be officially scored as a sacrifice even though the batter-runner actually reaches first base. Rule 10.08(a) states that "An official scorer shall:"..."Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at first base, or would have been put out except for a fielding error". And, rule 10.08 (d) states that "An official scorer shall:"..."Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a ball in flight handled by an outfielder or an infielder running in the outfield in fair or foul territory that"..."(2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judgment the runner could have scored after the catch had the fly been caught." A further notation regarding rule 10.08 (d) (2) states: "Rule 10.08(d) Comment: The official scorer shall score a sacrifice fly in accordance with Rule 10.08(d)(2) even though another runner is forced out by reason of the batter becoming a runner." So, it is true that a batter-runner can reach first base on a play that is statistically scored as a sacrifice.
In my answer, I have listed the various statistically valid ways for a batter-runner to reach first base safely. Again, many, many odd plays could be listed. For example, a batted ball touches a fielder and deflects into the stands, a batted ball gets lodged in ivy or rolls under a wagon gate. There are no statistics for these specific things. They would just be a hit or an error. We could list the seemingly limitless number of ways that a hit, an error, a fielder's choice, interference, obstruction, etc. could occur. But, it would still be a hit, an error, a fielder's choice, interference, obstruction, etc. in the statistics. So, where do we draw the line? In my answer, I chose to draw it at all of the different official scoring categories for which a batter can reach first base safely.
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Someone else added this:
"There is one more way: replace the current player at first as a pinch runner."
(which I don't believe answers the spirit of the question besides the fact that the pinch runner is merely replacing a player who has already reached first base via one of the other means listed above.)
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Seriously...you guys need something else to do. There are only 6 ways for a batter to reach 1st base, not 7,8,9,10,11.
1) A hit. By the way you guys are splitting hairs, you'd delineate that into 8 ways: bunt, single, double, ground rule double, triple, home run, inside the park home run and a grand slam.
2) Walk: doesn't make any difference whether it's intentional or not. A walk is a walk.
3) Dropped 3rd strike. No debate there. yep
4) Interference: Could be a catcher, pitcher, 1st baseman or any fielder for that matter, interference is interference. Come on guys...It's not 3 or 4 different ways to get on base.
5) Hit by pitch
6) Fielder's choice
***Whoever mentioned balk..well....nevermind.
***Whoever mentioned sacrifice as a way for a batter to get on base, is one saddle bag short of a camel load. Having played baseball for 20 years, NO BATTER has ever reached base on a sacrifice, nor will they EVER....PERIOD! It's not possible. Hence the term "sacrifice".
***For anyone who mentioned either of the above, it's abundantly clear you don't know what you're talking about.
No, this situation would result in a balk as the pitcher cannot 'pretend' to pitch in an attempt to deceive a baserunner.
A fielder may hide the ball, like pretend to throw the ball back to the pitcher and then place the ball in his glove, in an attempt to get a runner to step off a base and tag him out ... this has been called the 'hidden ball trick'. But the pitcher may not step on the pitching rubber if the fielder is attempting this. The pitcher steps on the rubber when he is ready to pitch and he can't be ready to pitch if he is not in possession of the ball.
If a baserunner waits until the pitcher is on the pitching rubber to take a lead off, he will never fall prey to the 'hidden ball trick'.
Does freezing a softball make it go farther?
Yes it does. Will a hard compression ball go farther than a softer one? The harder the ball the farther it will travel.
