Softball is a low-impact sport that can be played by kids and seniors alike. The popularity of intramural, competitive and noncompetitive, just-for-fun leagues has exploded across America, and joining a local league can help seniors stay fit, be social and have fun. But as with any sport, there are rules, including about carrying the bat to first base.
The Rule
The official rule about carrying your bat to first base can be found in the 2011 Slo-Pitch National Rulebook. Under Rule 8, Sec. 4, EFFECT 4J, item K., a base runner is considered out if he carries his bat and legally reaches or touches first base with the bat still in his hand. The United States Specialty Sports Association Rulebook has a similar rule but does not specifically mention that it governs a program for seniors, nor does it specify any age requirements at all for adult men's or women's play.
Interpreting the Rule
Typically in the game of softball, a batter will drop his or her bat after putting the ball into play, provided it's not a foul ball. The rule states that a batter is only out when he reaches base with the bat still in hand. Dropping the bat at any point before reaching first base, even if carried most of the way, would be legal, and the batter would not be out.
Where to Drop Your Bat
It's common for a batter to drop her bat immediately in the batter's box area after hitting a fair ball. However, the Slo-Pitch National Rulebook states that if the bat is dropped in fair territory and rolls into a batted ball, the batter is out. Conversely, if the ball rolls into a dropped bat, the batter is not out. Under United States Specialty Sports Association rules, though, a fair ball can hit any object in the field and is still considered a fair ball, meaning the batter is not out.
Seniors Program
The official Slo-Pitch National Rulebook sets the age requirements for all divisions, including the Seniors Program. The Seniors Program is then further divided into categories based on minimum age. Those are 50+, 55+, 60+ and 65+. The women's Senior Program has only one division -- 50+ -- but up to five players on the team may be aged 45 or over.
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