Softball is one of the most widely participated-in team sports in the United States and around the world. Since its origin in the late 1800s, the game has greatly evolved. Regulations to standardize equipment have been implemented to promote fair competition and the safety and enjoyment of participants. To maximize the experience of playing softball, players should be outfitted properly with appropriate equipment.
Balls
Regulation softballs for most leagues are 12 inches in circumference and weigh about 6 1/2 oz. Contrary to its name, a softball is not "soft" but rather hard with three layers of substance: a hard core made of cork, rubber, or polyurethane; wound yarn or rubber secured by cement; and a leather or synthetic cover cemented and secured with stitching that enhances grip and ball control.
Bats
Choosing a good bat is essential. Softball bats differ in size, weight and material. Bats can be a maximum of 34 inches long and weigh a maximum of 38 oz. but otherwise may vary in length, weight and the difference of the two, called the drop. A bat is comprised of five parts: the knob, the grip, the taper, the barrel and the end cap. Bats should be chosen by the size and strength of each player and by personal preference with the utmost consideration given to a player's ability to generate bat speed with the bat.
Gloves and Mitts
Because of the velocity at which a softball can travel, gloves or mitts are used in all defensive positions. Gloves are traditionally made of leather but can be synthetic. They range in length from 11 inches to 14 3/4 inches, measured from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. The webbing between the thumb and index finger also differs. Typically gloves are chosen by a player's dominant position. Middle infielders will choose the shortest gloves with the most open webs, followed by corner infielders, with longer gloves appealing to pitchers and outfielders. By rule, mitts are reserved for first basemen and catchers. Mitts are different than gloves in that they have a separated thumb with the other four fingers being enclosed together where as gloves have five separate distinct fingers.
Protective Gear
In an effort to thwart injuries in softball, rules require that the most vulnerable players wear protective gear. Batters, base runners and those in the on-deck circle are required to wear helmets for their offensive turn. Masks on the helmets are optional in most leagues. Because they are exposed to unpredictable collisions, catchers require the most protection of all players. A helmet and mask or a combination helmet is required as is padding for the chest and shin guards that guard from above the knees to the tops of the shoes.
Optional Equipment
In addition to the mandatory equipment, there are other options for players that can enhance comfort and safety. Batters may choose to wear batting gloves to help with grip and vibration. Players commonly wear sliding shorts or sliding pads to guard legs from injury during base running. Masks added to batting helmets and even masks made specifically for infielders have also become popular options for the enhanced safety of young players.
References
- "NCAA Softball 2010 and 2011 Rules and Interpretations"; NCAA Softball Rules Committee; 2010
- Amateur Softball Association: ASA Code
- International Softball Federation: Rulebook
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