SOFTBALL / WHIFFLE BALL

HISTORY

Softball / Whiffle ball is a game similar to baseball. It is played on a smaller field than baseball, and a larger ball is used. Softball began in Chicago as an indoor version of baseball. It became especially popular for school and public recreation programs; because it requires less room and equipment than baseball. By the early 1970's, more than 20 million people in over 40 countries were playing softball. All softball pitching must be underhand. The softball pitcher stands 46 feet from home plate instead of 60 1/2 feet as in baseball. The base runner cannot leave his base in softball until the ball has left the pitcher's hand. Baseball players can lead off a base. A regulation softball game lasts seven innings. Except for these differences, softball is played like baseball. Women play softball by the same rules as men except that the pitcher stands 40 feet from home plate. Softball was developed in 1887 by George W. Hancock of the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. Hancock designed the game for indoor play with a 16 inch ball that had the seams turned out. In 1895, Lewis Rober of the Minneapolis Fire Department adapted the game for outdoors. He used a 12-inch ball that had a cover similar to that used in baseball. Rober's version is considered the forerunner of the present game of softball. In 1923, the National Recreation Association appointed a committee of recreation executives to study the variety of rules used in different parts of the United States so that they could be standardized. Many of the rules were later changed by a joint rules committee formed in 1933. The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the governing body of the sport in the U.S. and other countries. International softball competition is governed by the International Softball Federation, founded in 1952. The international federation now has more than 40 member countries.

TYPES OF PLAY

Every year, men's and women's teams compete in regional, national, and international tournaments. There are two classes of competition, fast-pitch and slow-pitch. Fast-pitch softball has a nine man team, and slow-pitch has a 10-man team. The tenth man is a short-fielder. Fast-pitch softball teams play on an infield with the bases 60 feet apart. The players use a ball that measures 12 inches around, and a bat that cannot be thicker than 2 1/4 inches. All pitching must be underhand, in a motion similar to that of bowling. In a common type of slow-pitch softball, the same size infield and ball are used, but the ball must be pitched so that it arches on its way to the batter. Unlike fast-pitch softball, slow pitch rules do not allow bunting or base stealing. Many persons play a slow-pitch game with a 14- or 16- inch ball. Slow pitch softball is popular in the United States and in several other nations.

RULES

1. Balls and strikes: The batter may never walk, the batter strikes out after 3 strikes. Strikes for all leagues include swinging strikes, and called strikes.

2. The pitches maximum arc must be between 6 and 15 feet, anything higher or lower is a ball, and must be called in the air by either umpire. (the batter may still swing, it is just an automatic ball call) Pitching style-- the pitcher must release the ball with the palm up. (no spins).

3. Overthrows: This is the most misplayed and misunderstood rule. The runner gets their last established base +1 base.

4. Leading off base: A runner must stay on their occupied base until the batter hits the ball or IT CROSSES THE PLATE. A runner is out ONLY if they leave before a player hits the ball or before it crosses the plate. For example, a player leaves as the batter is taking a swing, if the batter misses the ball and the runner takes off the runner is NOT out.

5. Running Bases: A. If a batted ball hits a runner who is in fair territory the runner is out. B. The fielder gets the right of way to field a batted ball. If a runner interferes with a fielder trying to field a BATTED ball the runner is out. C. THE FIELDER MUST GIVE THE RUNNER A PATH TO THE BASE, THERE IS NO BLOCKING ANY BASE! Please tell your fielder not to stand on a base unless there is going to be a play there. YOU CAN NOT FAKE A PLAY AT A BASE. D. Double plays-- The fielder may not "take out" the second baseman (or shortstop), any attempt to do so and the runner and the other runner are out! E. There is norule about sliding.

6. Infield Fly: If there are less than 2 outs with bases loaded or runners on first and second and an infield fly is hit, the umpire should call infield fly, batter is out.

7. Substitutions: Every team has free substitutions in the field (unlimited), every player must remain in the same spot in the batting order, and an unlimited number of players can bat.

8. NO Bunting: the player must take a full swing, a player attempting to bunt who hits the ball is out.

9. 10 Run: If a team is leading by ten or more runs after 5 innings then the game is over.

10. Fouls: AFTER YOUR FOURTH FOUL YOU ARE OUT.

11. A pop up to the catcher must go over the batters head to be an out, otherwise it is a strike.

TERMS

  • Assist: The credit given to a player who aids in making and out
  • Batting Average: Number of hits divided by the number of times at bat.
  • Bunt: An attempt to hit the ball short to get advancement to the base.
  • Clean up: Usually the fourth position in batting order and occupied by the team’s best hitter.
  • Foul ball: Ball hit out of fair territory.
  • Hit Ball: Hit in such a way that the batter or preceding base runners may not be retired by good defensive play
  • In the hole: Batter following the batter on deck
  • In-field fly: Runners on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, with less than 2 down, a fair fly ball that can be handled by the infielders, the batter is out.
  • On deck: Batter following hitter at the plate
  • Passed Ball: When the catcher misses the ball which he should have controlled.
  • Pinch Runner: Replacement for base runner
  • Sacrifice Fly: Credited to batter who hits a fly ball to outfield allowing base runner to score or advance to next base.
  • Switch Hitter: Batter who bats both left and right handed.
  • Single: Advancement to first base after hitting the ball
  • Double: Advancement to second base after hitting the ball
  • Triple: Advancement to third base after hitting the ball.
  • Wild Pitch: Ball delivered to plate in such a way catcher cannot control pitch.