Softball is one of the most popular sports played in North America. Mens' softball leagues are both recreational and competitive, but both of those titles are somewhat of a misnomer. Many recreational leagues that are played by men who get together after work are very competitive, while competitive slow-pitch softball leagues that are played for cash awards are also filled with great enjoyment and fun. Mens' softball is largely a game of big hits and big innings, because many players are trying to launch long home runs throughout the season
Timing
Unlike baseball, mens' softball leagues play timed games. In most cases one game will follow another, and that's why games are limited to 70 minutes. If an inning starts before 70 minutes has been played, the inning will be played to completion. However, if the score ends up tied after the 70-minute mark rule has been invoked, the game goes down as a tie, and each team gets credit for half a win and half a loss.
Number of Players
All teams may play with 10 players in the field. The extra fielder is usually placed in the outfield so that the team plays four outfielders an equal distance apart. However, that extra fielder could be placed anywhere in the field as long as the player is in fair territory. Teams also have a 10-man batting order. Teams can use a designated hitter for any of the fielders involved. The designated hitter does not have to bat for the pitcher, as is the case in baseball.
Strike Zone Mat
A mat shall be placed behind home plate. In mens' slow-pitch softball, pitchers have an unlimited arc, and the pitch is declared a strike as long as it hits the mat. The only case where hitting the mat behind home plate does not count as a strike is if the ball does not have an arc of at least 8 feet. In this case, the umpire will declare that the pitch was "flat" and that the batter is not obligated to swing. However, if the batter swings at a flat pitch and hits it, it is in play.
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