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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
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.
Order of player positions in softball?
Pitcher, Catcher, First base, Second base, Shortstop, Third base, Right Field, Center Field and Left Field.
How many girls play on the field in softball?
It really depends on how much effort your willing to put into it, try to be open to playing at any college level dont have your heart set on a d1 school. And make sure your telling you coaches that you would like to play in college they will be able to contact schools in your area and they will send out scouts.
Is softball a fall or winter sport?
In high school, softball is a spring sport. However, there are different leagues that play in the fall, winter, and summer as well. You will have to research these teams, a lot of times they are not offered through the schools.
In softball how far is the mound from homeplate?
There are different standards depending on age, gender, and type of pitch:
Male: * Under 15: 46 feet * Under 18: 43 feet * College & Adult: 50 feet Female: * All ages: 50 feet
Male: * All ages: 46 feet Female: * Under 18: 40 feet * College & Adult: 43 feet
What is a blocked ball in softball?
A blocked ball is a live ball, pitched, batted or thrown which is touched,, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; or touches any object which is not part of the official equipment or official playing area; or touches loose equipment.
What is the distance from the pitchers mound to home plate in girls 12U fast pitch soft ball?
50 feet, with the basepaths being 70 feet. At 13U, they go to 54/80 and 15U 60.5/90
What are some good softball cheers for the number 8?
Here's one I just thought of, don't think it's HORRIBLE.
Hey, hey, hey, this is my friend, number 2
You think she's gonna hit like poo?
Well once she turns that ball in goo
You're gonna realize that you're screwed.
When did softball get its name?
Can you play softball in 98 degrees temperature?
It would be very difficult to play in the snow but there are facilities around the country that have an indoor field so that teams can play year round.
What are four ways to get out in softball?
1. strikeout
2. get thrown out
3. get tagged while running the bases
4. step off base while ball is in the circle and step back a.k.a. hesitation
It would be scored as an out and the credit would go to the catcher, since he is the closest player to play.
ANSWER:
It depends upon whether the ball was contacted in fair or foul territory when contacted by the runner.
In fair territory the runner is out, play is dead (runners can't advance), and the catcher is credited with the putout.
In foul territory, it depends on the count. With two strikes the batter is out, and the pitcher is credited with a strikeout. With less than two strikes, it is treated as a strike.
What is the salary of a NCAA division 3 head softball coach?
The salaries of NCAA head softball coaches will vary according to experience and college. They average about $47,000 per year.
Whats the difference between baseball and fast pitch softball?
Generally softball is a faster paced game than baseball. The rules of softball vary depending on which association your playing under. Some leagues start every at bat with the count at 1 and 1, this drasticaly speeds up the game. The ASA only allows you three strikes, meaning that if you have two strikes, and you foul a ball, you are out. This is done to help speed the game along. Also most softball leagues only play 7 innings as opposed to the 9 played in baseball. Some rules in major league baseball are there to help speed the game along as well, for instance the pitcher technically only has 20 seconds to throw a pitch once the catcher throws it back to him, however there are no limits to timeouts in baseball, so the batter can call a timeout any time he chooses (provided the umpire grants his request), and then the catcher can call a timeout to have a meeting on the mound with a pitcher...
Why is the shape of the softball like that?
It is yellow and some of them have red stripes like baseballs or blue stripes.
In a game of softball what is the meaning of the phrase tagging up?
a tag up is when the batter hits a pop-fly and the runner(s) on base must go back to the base touch it and then can continue to run. If they do not tag up they can be called out if they dont run back to the base.
What are the best techniques for sliding into a base?
The body falls to the ground in a controlled manner by a fall backward on the outer surface of the knee and lower leg, or just by diving head first.
What is a good time from home to second in baseball?
A good time would be around fifteen to twenty seconds and you can also watch videos of this and time it.
Actually about 8 to 9 seconds. A fast runner gets from home to 1st in 4 seconds.
What type of sport is softball?
Softball is a variation of baseball. It is played on a smaller field than baseball and with a larger ball. Baseball and softball are considered a Bat and Ball (Safe Haven) type of Physical sport.
Why do they not like softball?
The players are usually female, which (in the world of an athlete, unfortunately is still not accepted on the same level. Also, not enough girls get interested, and it's all boys playing baseball.
Can you hurt your anckel in softball?
You can break your arm from playing softball like you would in any daily activity. you can break your arm just by walking and tripping. Breaking your arm in softball would have been from a bad fall or an accident. Breaking your arm doing any skill is unlikely. it's important to have a good conditioning program to avoid injuries
What are the five skills needed to play a softball game?
You need to be able to throw long distances, hit a ball, catch a ball, run somewhat quickly and throw accurately. Another important "skill" is not being afraid to get dirty. It takes practice, but softball is a wonderful game.
How have softball bats evolved?
At one time it was easy as picking up a stick and hitting a ball. The game of baseball evolved from a game called Rounders, and Cricket. early baseball bats were modeled after the bats used in theses sports.
The baseball bat changed over the years as the rules in the game changed. The bat evolved as the game of baseball did.
19th century bats were generally heavier and considerably thicker in the handle and had more of a gradual taper from the handle to the barrel about" 3 feet long, round, tapered and was to be between an inch and a half at the handle to three inches at the barrel. In 1857, the dimensions agreed upon were described as round, not to be more than two and one-half inches around in its thickest part and was to be no longer than 42 inches.
The National League made two major changes for 1885. It was now legal to have 18 inches of the handle wrapped in twine and one side of the bat was allowed to be flat. The American Association adopted this rule when they followed the same rules as the National League in 1887. In 1893, the bat was no longer allowed to be flat on one side but was required to be round. The length was still limited to 42 inches and the thickness of the thickest part was still two and on-half inches. The thickness of the bat was increased to two and three-quarters inches in 1895 and remains the same today
