Sleeping Giant: one that has great but unrealized or new emerging power (Merriam-Webster)
As a former female athlete, I understand women's sports don't usually get as much love as men's sports. That said, softball is quickly changing that. In 2022, the women's college world series had a higher average and peak viewership than the men (source). WOW! This is no knock on baseball by any means, but merely showing the softball world’s growing popularity.
As it's now softball season, I want to explain the basics in this first softball post.
*To note: most of the following information will also apply to baseball
Basic Terminology:
Inning: a complete inning is when each team takes turns in the field (defense) and batting (offense). One round of batting and one round in the field is one inning. An inning ends by getting three "outs."
Softball games consist of seven innings (except for run-rules).
Run-Rule: when the winning team is ahead by “X” amount of runs in an earlier inning, then the game ends prematurely. For softball, if a team is winning by eight runs or more, the game may end at the end of the 5th inning.
Out(s): There are several ways to get an "out" (which I will address in a different post due to length); however, when a player is called "out," they do not get the chance to run the bases or score further. They retire to their benches (dugouts). If a team gets three "outs" in the field, they may now go bat...and vice versa.
Run(s): These are the "points" of softball. A player scores a run when she touches bases 1-3 before crossing home plate.
Foul/Foul Ball: In softball, there are white lines that determine "in" or "out" of play; if a ball that is hit lands outside of these lines, it is "out" of play and is deemed a "foul." If the ball lands inside of these lines, the ball is "fair" and free to be played. (light blue in the diagram below)
Infield: The diamond-shaped dirt area consisting of the bases and pitcher's circle (see pink in the diagram)
Bases are the square-shaped objects runners run among after hitting the ball. Runners run in a counter-clockwise pattern. The bases are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Home Plate. Home plate is where a batter begins to try to hit the ball and where a runner ends to score a run. (numbered below)
Outfield: The grassy area behind the infield (marked by dark blue in the diagram below)
Basic Game Play: On a softball field, nine players will be defending the bases in attempts to get three outs before the batting team can score. Once they achieve these three outs, the field team goes to their dugout to take turns hitting the ball to score runs. Once the opposing team gets the batting team out three times, the batting team will return to the field for a new inning. As mentioned, each team gets seven chances to bat and field in a full game (seven innings). The team with the most runs at the end of seven innings wins.
Player Positions (in the diagram below):
Pitcher: throws the ball underhand to the batters who want to hit the ball.
Catcher: catches the ball thrown by the pitcher, plus defends home plate.
First Baseman: defends 1st base and surrounding areas.
Second Baseman: defends the area between 1st and 2nd base, and shares defending 2nd base with the shortstop.
Third Baseman: defends 3rd base and surrounding areas.
Shortstop: defends the area between 2nd and 3rd base, and shares defending 2nd base with second baseman.
Left Field: Defends the left grassy area behind 2nd and 3rd base (outfield).
Center Field: Defends the middle of the grassy area behind 2nd base (outfield).
Right Field: Defends the right grassy area behind 1st and 2nd base (outfield).
Most of you may have known these basics, but if you made it to this point, you either learned something new or enjoyed reading a new explanation. Softball is a fast-paced game full of excitement, skill, and high energy. If you have never watched a game before, I double-dog dare you to tune in. Teams that are talented, ranked, and entertaining to watch right now: The Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowgirls, UCLA Bruins, Clemson Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, and Florida State Seminoles. Any of these teams would put on a show for you, and you better be prepared to be amazed at the talent you see. Who knows, you may fall in love with the game...
As I feel like this post was enough to read for now, next week I will post more about softball (HOORAY!). Specifically: how to get outs, get on base, and score.
Softball can be complicated, but remember to KISS (Keep It Simple, Sister).
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9
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