Softball is a sport that has been played since the 1880s and is still considered a popular sport among women and men. Similar to baseball, softball is a game played with a bat, ball and gloves. Although men can participate in softball leagues, overall, softball is a female sport. A handful of the rules are different than those of baseball, including underhand pitching compared to overhand pitching; however, the majority of the rules are practically identical to those of baseball.
The Game
Regulation softball games are seven innings. Each team has to receive three outs before the inning expires. The home team always will have the final opportunity to bat. The field is split into an infield and an outfield. Any ball that goes outside the first base line or the third base line will be called a foul ball, in turn, allowing the batter another chance. However, if the ball was caught in the air, the batter is out.
Positions
There are nine positions on a softball field: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. The pitcher must throw the ball underhand.
Batter
A batter is out once she or he has received three strikes. Four balls is a walk, which allows the batter to advance to first base. Also, if a batter is hit by a pitch, he or she can advance to first base. A strike is a pitch the umpire believes the batter can hit or a ball that the batter has swung at and missed. A ball is a pitch the umpire believes the batter cannot hit. An umpire is an official who is hired to make sure the rules are followed.
Base Running
A batter can be replaced by another team member, commonly known as a designated runner, to run the bases. Each base must be touched in order. If a runner has left the base before a fly ball has been caught, the runner must return to the previous base and touch it before advancing to the next base. Runners cannot run outside of the base line to avoid being tagged by a defender. Runners cannot leave the base until the ball has left the pitcher's hands. Once a runner has touched home plate, a run (point) will be awarded to that runner's team.
Equipment
Softball is played with a larger ball than a baseball. The ball has a 12-inch circumference. Softball bats are also different than baseball bats. They are usually longer and have a smaller barrel diameter.
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