Softball Rules You Might Like To Know

The rules for Co-Ed D League Softball are slightly different from those of its parent game of baseball. Most rule changes are in there to keep us from wasting the time of others and/or hurting ourselves.

The baseball basics are still in place: 3 strikes, you're out, 3 outs per team per inning, unlimited spitting and crotch scratching, etc.

Here are some of the differences:

10 Defensive Players
We softballers don't quite cover the ground we used to. Therefore, we are given an extra fielder to help us out. This player can be put wherever the coach wants. Usually, this means a fourth outfielder, but if coach feels like it (i.e. is drunk) he could play two catchers or have someone sit in the car.

Foul Ball Strikeouts
In baseball you can foul off balls all day long if you like, but we don't get that luxury. Foul balls equal strikes in this league. If you've got two strikes and you foul off the next pitch: you're outta there buddy. But, hey, at least you made contact.

7 Innings or 1 Hour Limit
All games have a 1 hour time limit and no new innings may start after 55 minutes. If we played real fast and somehow managed to squeeze in 7 innings before an hour had passed then the game would also be over. This isn't going to happen. We'll be lucky to get in 4 innings. Don't get your hopes up.

Alternating Boy/Girl Lineup
We are not allowed to have two boys or two girls bat in a row. If we only have 9 players (the minimum we can play) then the vacant 10th spot in the lineup is counted as an out each time through. So, let's show up to the games, eh?

Two 1st Bases
To avoid collisions at first the league has decided that we need two bases there. There will be the normal white base and next to that will be an odd looking orange base. After you hit the ball run to the orange one. When you are fielding first base, use the white one.

Also this only applies when there is a play at first. If you hit a double, feel free to use the regular white bag.

NOTE: One rule that is the same in this league as it is in baseball is that you can run through first base. This means that when you hit a single you can run to first, touch the base and sprint on past it straight into the outfield (not too far) without breaking your stride. As long as you don't make a move like you're going to continue on to second base the defense cannot tag you out. Pretty great, eh? Keep in mind though, this only works at first base. Don't go runnin' through second or third.

Weird Two Base Walk Rule
In an attempt to weasel out victories, sometimes teams try to avoid pitching to the opposing team's best batter because he hits nothing but home runs. In the interest of sportsmanship the league has decided that if a team walks a male batter and there are 2 outs then the guy gets to "walk" all the way to second base. And then, get this, the girl batting after him can either decide to bat or she can simply take first base and let the next guy in the lineup bat. Somewhere Alexander Cartwright is spinning in his grave (he invented baseball...unless Abner Doubleday did...or someone else. Of course the rules were a lot different back then too. Forget I brought it up. Odd that I decided to type all this out instead of just deleting it.)

There are more weird rules that might pop up from time to time, but these are the basics.

Also, if you were wondering, you can't wear metal spikes, but you are allowed to slide. Luckily, plastic cleats can still do plenty of damage.