Slow pitch baseball is a variation between the game of baseball and fast pitch softball. Slow pitch is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Some of the timing and reflex-related skills associated with fast pitch and regular baseball are not issues when playing slow pitch. The rules for slow pitch are different than baseball and fast pitch in a few different areas.
The Basics
The set up for a slow pitch field is different than other variations of baseball. The bases are 65 feet apart. The pitcher stands 50 feet away from home plate, the outfield fence is 275 feet away and the ball is made of leather with a 12 inch radius. Bats cannot be longer than 34 inches, or heavier than 31 1/2 ounces. The games are seven innings long.
Pitching
The pitcher must throw the ball underhanded, slowly, in a perceptible arc of between six and 12 feet from the ground. He can begin his pitching motion up to six feet behind the pitching plate, but must have one foot in contact with the plate when he releases the ball. The other foot doesn't have any restrictions as to where it is placed.
Hitting
In slow pitch baseball, a batter is called out if he tries to bunt or "chop down" on the ball to try and hit it on the ground. If a batter is hit with a pitched ball, he is not awarded first base, and the ball is "dead". If a batter swings and misses at an illegal pitch, such as one that is too fast or with not enough arc, the pitch is called a strike, otherwise it is a ball.
Additional players are permitted in the batting order, and in some competitions, substituted players can re-enter the lineup as often as they'd like. The strike zone is between a hitter's back shoulder and knees once he has taken his normal stance.
Base Running
There are no lead-offs permitted in slow pitch baseball, and absolutely no base stealing. A runner must keep her foot on the base until the ball crosses the plate, or the batter hits it.
Fielding
There are 10 players on defense in a slow pitch game, including one more outfielder than in a traditional baseball game. Fielders are permitted to change positions and play wherever they like from inning to inning.
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