Softball features a numbering system that is used to designate the position that each athlete plays. The numbering system is used primarily when keeping score in the game. Each position on the field corresponds to a number that is used to designate who made a particular play as the game progresses.
Pitcher and Catcher
The pitcher and catcher form the battery in softball. The pitcher is assigned No. 1 and the catcher is No. 2. If the bases are loaded and the batter hits a ground ball back to the pitcher and she throws it to the catcher for a force play at home, the scorekeeper would write down "1-2" in the scorebook to indicate that the pitcher fielded the ground ball and the catcher recorded the out.
Infielders
A defense in softball includes four infielders. The first baseman is assigned No. 3. The second baseman goes by No. 4. The third baseman is No. 5 and the shortstop is No. 6. If the batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop and she throws the ball to first base, the scorer would write down "6-3" in the scorebook if the throw beats the runner for an out. If a runner is on first base and a ground ball is hit to the third baseman, she would throw to second base to get the lead runner and the second baseman would throw to first to try to get the double play. If that play was successful, the scorer would write down "5-4-3" in the scorebook.
Outfielders
The traditional outfielders in softball play left field, center field and right field. The left fielder is designated by the No. 7, the center fielder is No. 8 and the right fielder is No. 9. If the batter hits a fly ball to the center fielder and she catches it, the scorekeeper would write down "8" in the scorebook to designate that the center fielder caught the fly ball and an out was recorded.
Extra Fielder
The extra fielder in softball normally plays in the outfield. That position is designated by the No. 10. In most cases, the coach will position four outfielders across when playing defense in softball. In some cases, the extra fielder will play in short center field while the traditional center fielder plays much deeper. The extra fielder may be positioned anywhere on the field. The rules of the game of softball merely state that all defensive players other than the catcher must be in fair territory. That gives the coach the right to position the extra fielder anywhere she chooses within the field of play.
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