altered bat - when the physical structure of a legal softball bat has

been changed
assist - a defensive statistic credited to each fielder who throws or
deflects a batted or thrown ball in such a way that a putout results,
or would have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder
backstop - the fence behind the batters box (the umpire stands
behind the catcher with his/her back to the backstop)
ball - as called by the umpire, a pitch that does not enter the strike
zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter
base - one of four points on the infield that must be touched by a
runner in order to score a run. Also applies to the rubber or canvas
bags comprising first, second, and third base, as well as the hard
plastic or rubber plate known as home plate.
baseline - the area between each base along which the base
runner must generally run
base on balls (BB) - also called a "walk; the award of first base
to a batter who, during his/her time at bat, receives four pitches
outside the strike zone; pitchers may also issue an intentional walk
without throwing those four pitches, in which case the umpire is
notified and he/she awards the batter first base
base runner - a batter who has reached base safely
bases loaded - referring to the offensive team when there are
runners on first, second, and third base
batter - also known as "hitter; an offensive player who takes
his/her position in the batters box to try to hit the pitch
batter's box - a rectangular area beside home plate where the
batter must stand to hit the pitch
batting average - an offensive statistic, it is the number of safe
hits divided by the number of at-bats
batting order - the official list giving the sequence in which
members of the (offensive) team must come to bat
box score - the summary of a game which lists the line-up for
each team, including substitutions, such offensive statistics as at-
bats, runs, hits, and runs batted in. The box score also lists such
defensive statistics as winning pitcher, losing pitcher, (pitcher
credited with) save, errors, wild pitches, and passed balls.
bullpen - the area in foul territory adjacent to the outfield where
pitchers wait and warm-up during the game, except the pitcher
currently being used in the game
bunt - an attempt by the batter to tap the ball instead of swinging
at it; the bat is lowered to (approximately) chest height, parallel to
the ground
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catcher - defensive player who normally positions him/herself
behind home plate and receives pitches
center fielder - the defensive player positioned near the middle of
the outfield
change-up - a pitch thrown deceptively slow to surprise the batter
complete game - a pitchers statistic recorded when he/she has
thrown every pitch for his/her team during a game
curveball - a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball
curve
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defensive team - the nine players in the field (pitcher, catcher,
1st, 2nd, & 3rd basemen, shortstop, and left, center, and right
fielders)
designated hitter (DH) - a player who bats in place of a
designated teammate in the batting lineup
designated player (DP) - a player designated to bat for any
starting player, without otherwise affecting the status of player(s)
in the game. Unlike the DH, this player may play a fielding position
for any player in the game.
double - a scoring statistic credited to a batter when he/she has
hit a ball safely into fair territory and can advance to second base
without the aid of defensive errors.
double play - a defensive play in which two offensive players are
put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error
between putouts
dugout - the semi-enclosed area beside the playing field where
players sit when they are not actively involved in the game
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earned run - a run for which the pitcher is held accountable
earned run average (ERA) - the number of runs charged to a
pitcher averaged over a seven-inning span; determined by
multiplying the total earned runs charged against a pitcher by
seven and dividing the result by the total number of innings he/she
pitched. (Example: if a pitcher gives up one earned run in one
inning of play, his/her ERA would be 7.0. If the same pitcher had
been charged with 20 runs in 60 innings, his/her ERA would be
2.33, or, an average of 2.33 runs given up for each seven innings
pitched.)
error - a defensive statistic charged for each misplay (fumble, muff
or wild throw) which prolongs the time at-bat of a batter or which
prolongs the life of a runner, or which permits a runner to advance
to one or more bases
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fair ball - a ball hit into the field of play
fastball - a pitchers fastest pitch
fielder - any one of the nine players on the defensive team
(pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd basemen, shortstop, and left,
center, and right fielders)
fielder's choice - the act of a defensive player who handles a fair
ground ball and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the
batter, throws to another base in an attempt to put out the
preceding runner.
fielding percentage - a defensive statistic also called fielding
average, it is the sum of putouts and assists divided by the sum of
putouts, assists, and errors in each fielding position played by a
player.
first baseman - the defensive player in the portion of the infield
near the bag that the batter will initially run to (invisible line goes
from catcher to first baseman to right fielder)
fly ball - a ball hit in the air
forceout - an out made when a baserunner, forced to run because
another teammate must run to the base being occupied, cannot
reach the next base safely
foul ball - a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home
and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds
past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on
foul territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over
foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any
foreign object to the natural ground; A foul fly shall be judged
according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line,
including the foul pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul
or fair territory at the time he/she touches the ball.
foul lines - the two straight lines extending from home plate past
the outside edges of first and third bases to the outfield fence.
foul tip - a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat
to the catchers hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip
unless caught, and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the
ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has
first touched the catchers glove or hand.
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grand slam - a home run with a baserunner on each base, scoring
four runs.
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hit - when a batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base)
safely on a fair ball which settles on the ground or touches a fence
before being touched by a fielder, or which clears a fence; when a
batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball hit with such force, or
so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a play with it has no
opportunity to do so; when a batter reaches first base safely on a
fair ball which takes an unusual bounce so that a fielder cannot
handle it with ordinary effort, or which touches the pitchers plate
or any base (including home plate) before being touched by a
fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary
effort; when a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which
has not been touched by a fielder and which is in fair territory when
it reaches the outfield unless in the scorers judgment it could have
been handled with ordinary effort; when a fair ball that has not
been touched by a fielder touches a runner or an umpire, when a
fielder unsuccessfully attempts to put out a preceding runner, and
in the scorers judgment the batter would not have been put out at
first base by ordinary effort.
hit batsman - also known as "hit by pitch (HBP); a batter who
has been hit by a legally pitched ball (the batter is awarded first
base)
home plate - the five-sided piece of whitened rubber that the
batter stands beside to hit the pitch
home run - a safe hit, when no error or putout results, which
allows the batter to reach all four bases and score a run; usually a
fly ball in fair territory which goes over the outfield fence
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illegal pitch - an act by the pitcher not allowed by rule, with or
without a runner on base; if there are runners on base, each
advances one base. In every case the batter is credited with one
ball.
infield - the diamond-shaped area in fair territory formed by the
three bases and home plate that is normally covered by defensive
players (known as infielders)
inning - that portion of the game within which the teams alternate
on offense and defense and in which there are three putouts for
each team. Each teams at-bat comprises a half-inning.
intentional walk - a base on balls intentionally issued by the
pitcher; the pitcher may notify the umpire of the desire to
intentionally walk a batter, in which case four balls do not need to
be thrown, and the umpire will immediately award the batter first
base
interference - an act by a catcher that hinders or prevents a
batter from hitting a pitch. On any such interference, the ball is
dead and the batter is awarded first base.
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left fielder - the defensive player in the outfield closest to the
third base foul line
left on base - those runners who have not scored and have not
been put out but who remain on base at the time of the third out in
the half-inning.
line drive - a ball hit sharply in a straight line, roughly parallel to
the ground
live ball - a ball in play
no-hitter - a pitching statistic credited when the pitcher completes
a game and allows the opposing team no hits
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offensive team - the team that is at bat
on-base percentage - offensive statistic; for any player, divide
the total of hits, all bases on balls, and hit by pitch, by the total of
at bats, all bases on balls, hit by pitch, and sacrifice flies.
on deck - (offensive player) waiting to bat next
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passed ball - a pitch that should have been held or controlled by
the catcher
perfect game - a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she
completes a game and allows the opposing team no one reaching
first base
pinch hitter - a player who bats in place of a teammate
pinch runner - a player who enters the game at a base to run for
another player
pitcher - the player who throws the ball to the batter (43 feet
away)
putout - credited to each fielder who: catches a fly ball or a line
drive, whether fair or foul; catches a thrown ball which puts out a
batter or runner; or, tags out a runner when the runner is off the
base to which the runner is legally entitled
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right fielder - the defensive player in the outfield closest to the
first base foul line
rise ball - a technique used by the pitcher so that the ball goes up
as it reaches the batter
run - the point scored when a batter or baserunner advances to
home plate
run batted in (RBI) - an offensive statistic credited to a batter for
every run which reaches home plate because of the batters safe
hit, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielders choice; or
which is forced over home plate by reason of the batter becoming a
runner with the bases loaded (on a base on balls, or an award of
first base for being touched by a pitched ball, or for interference or
obstruction)
rundown - a baserunner who finds themself in the baseline
between the base they were on and the subsequent base that
theyre trying to advance to or retreat back from in an effort to not
be put out
run rule - also called international run rule, run difference rule,
and mercy rule; if one team is losing by 20 runs after three innings,
15 runs after four innings, or seven runs after five innings the game
is ended at that point.
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sacrifice fly - an offensive statistic scored when, before two are
out, the batter hits a fly ball or a line drive which is handled by a
defensive player in the outfield which: is caught, and a runner
scores after the catch; or, is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the
scorers judgment the runner could have scored after the catch had
the fly ball been caught.
sacrifice hit - an offensive statistic; a sacrifice bunt is scored
when: before two are out, the batter advances one or more runners
with a bunt and is put out at first base, or would have been put out
at first base except for a fielding error; or, before two are out, the
fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful
attempt to put out a preceding runner
save - a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she meets all three
of the following conditions: is the finishing pitcher in a game won by
his/her team, is not the winning pitcher, and qualifies under one of
the following conditions: enters the game with a lead of no more
than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or, enters the
game with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on
deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is
one of first two batsmen he/she faces); or, pitches effectively for at
least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each
game.
scoring position - a good position for scoring a run on most hits,
referring specifically to a baserunner standing on second base or
third base
second baseman - the defensive player in the infield, stationed
near the bag behind the pitcher (invisible line goes from catcher to
pitcher to second baseman to center fielder)
shortstop - a defensive player who normally positions him/herself
in fair territory between second base and the third baseman
single - a hit that allows a batter to reach first base safely
slap - performed by mostly left-handed hitters, it is an attempt to
hit a ground ball with a controlled short, chopping motion (rather
than with a full swing). A slap is not considered a bunt.
slugging percentage - a batting statistic; the total number of
bases reached by safe hits, divided by the total times at bat (or
total at-bats)
steal - a baserunners successful advance from one base to the
next during a pitch that is not hit
strikeout - scored when: a batter is put out by a third strike
caught by the catcher; a batter is put out by a third strike not
caught when there is a runner on first before two are out; a batter
becomes a runner because a third strike is not caught; a batter
bunts a ball into foul territory after two strikes (unless such a bunt
results in a fly ball, which is caught by any fielder. This is not
considered a strikeout, but a putout by the fielder).
strike zone - the space over any part of home plate between the
batters armpits and the top of his/her knees when he/she assumes
a natural batting stance
substitute - any member of a teams roster who is not listed as a
starting player, or a starting player who re-enters the game
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third baseman - the defensive player in the infield stationed near
the last bag that a baserunner would touch before heading for
home plate (invisible line goes from catcher to third baseman to left
fielder)
time - term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play
triple play - a continuous action play by the defense on which
three offensive players are put out
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utility player - a player that may appear at more than one fielding
position or strictly as a designated hitter
walk - also called base on balls (BB); an automatic advance to first
base for the batter after the pitcher delivers four "balls as called by
the umpire, based on their being outside the strike zone
wild pitch - a pitch so high, so low, or so wide of home plate that
it cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher







Ball A pitch outside the strike zone that the batter does not try to
hit.
Base One of the three safe stations for the batter or base-runner.
Baseline The direct line between each base, along which the base-
runner must generally run.
Base-runner A batter who has reached base safely.
Bases loaded Bases are said to be loaded when there is a base-
runner on each base.
Batter The player trying to hit the pitch.
Batter's box A rectangular area beside home plate where the
batter must stand to hit the pitch.
Batting order The official list giving the order in which members of
the team must come to bat.
Bunt An attempt by the batter to tap the ball instead of swinging at
it.
atcher The fielder positioned behind home plate who catches the
pitches.
enterfielder The fielder positioned in center field (near the
middle of the outfield).
hangeup A pitch thrown deceptively slowly to surprise the batter.
urveball A pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve.
Defense The fielding team.
Designated hitter A player who bats in place of a designated
team-mate in the batting line-up.
Double A hit that allows a batter to reach second base.
Double play A play in which two outs are made as the result of
continuous action.
Dugout The semi-enclosed area beside the playing field where
players sit when they are not actively involved in the game.
Error A mistake by a fielder that lets a batter or base-runner
advance to a base.
air ball A ball hit into the field of play.
astball A pitcher's fastest pitch.
irst baseman The fielder stationed near first base.
ly-ball A ball hit in the air.
orced out An out made when a base runner, forced to run
because another team-mate must run to the base being occupied,
cannot reach the next base safely.
oul ball A ball hit outside the foul lines.
oul lines The two straight lines, extending from home plate past
the outside edges of first and third bases to the outfield fence.
oul tip A ball that barely touches the bat before continuing
sharply to the catcher with little deviance.
rand slam A home run with a base-runner on each base, scoring
four runs.
roundball A ball hit along the ground.
Hit A ball struck by a batter that enables the batter to reach base
safely.
Home plate The five-sided piece of whitened rubber the batter
stands beside to hit the pitch.
Home run A hit by a batter, which usually goes over the outfield
fence, that enables the batter to runaround all the bases safely.
Infield The diamond-shaped area formed by the three bases and
home plate.
Inning A turn at batting and fielding for each team.
eftfielder The outfielder stationed in left field (the left-hand side
of the outfield from the batter's perspective).
ine drive A ball hit sharply in a straight line roughly parallel to the
ground.
ive ball A ball in play.
n deck aiting to bat next.
utfield The playing area inside the foul lines and beyond the
infield.
utfielder A fielder in any of the three outfield positions.
Passed ball A catcher's failed attempt to catch a good pitch,
allowing a base-runner to advance to the next base.
Pinch hitter A player who bats in place of a teammate one time in
a game.
Pinch runner A player who runs the bases in place of a team-mate
one time in a game.
Pitcher The player who delivers the ball to the batter.
Pitcher's plate The rubber slat on which the pitcher must stand,
prior to delivering a pitch.
Pop-fly A ball hit in the air to the infield.
Relief pitcher A pitcher coming into a game in progress.
Right-fielder The outfielder stationed in right field (the right side
of the outfield from the batter's perspective).
Run The point scored when a batter or base-runner advances to
home plate.
Run batted in The credit a batter receives for a turn at bat that
enables a team-mate to score a run.
$acrifice fly A fly ball hit far enough to enable a base runner on
third base to score a run after the ball is caught.
$coring position A good position for scoring a run on most hits,
referring specifically to a base-runner standing on second base or
third base.
$econd baseman The fielder stationed near second base.
$hortstop The fielder normally positioned between the second and
third basemen.
$ingle A hit that allows a batter to reach first base safely.
$lide A base-running maneuver in which the player slides into a
base to avoid overrunning it, or to make it difficult for the fielder to
tag the runner with the ball.
$6ueeze play An offensive play in which the batter bunts to try to
let the base-runner on third base score a run.
$tarting pitcher The pitcher for each team at the start of the
game.
$teal A base-runner's successful advance from one base to the
next during a pitch that is not hit.
$trike 1. A pitch judged by the umpire to have passed over home
plate between the batter's armpits and the top of the knees. 2. a
pitch that the batter swings at and misses. 3. a foul ball when the
batter has fewer than two strikes.
$trike zone The area over home plate between the batter's
armpits and the top of the knees, where a pitch is called a strike
even if the batter does not swing the bat.

$trikeout An out where the batter has three strikes.
%ag A base runner who is off base is touched with the ball by a
fielder.
%hird baseman The fielder stationed near third base.
%riple A hit that allows a batter to reach third base.
%riple play A play in which three outs are made with one pitch ...
continuous play.
alk An automatic advance to first base for the batter after the
pitcher delivers four balls.
ild pitch A pitch thrown so wildly that the catcher cannot easily
handle it.

At-bat: A players turn batting while her team is on offense.

Ball: Pitch that travels outside the strike zone that the hitter does not swing
at. Four balls result in a walk.
Bunt: A soft hit produced by holding the bat in a stationary position over home
plate. Often used to advance a base runner.
ount: Term used to describe a batters balls and strikes during an at-bat. The
number of balls is first, followed by the number of strikes. "Three and two is
three balls and two strikes.
Double play: A play in which the defense records two outs.
Error: Charged to a defensive player for mistakes that should have resulted in
an out.
air: A ball that, when hit, lands between the two foul lines and stays in
bounds past first or third base. A home run is also a fair ball.
ly ball: Ball hit with a high, arcing trajectory.
ly-out: If a ball is caught by one of the nine fielders before it bounces, the
batter is out. Base runners must tag-up during a fly-out.
orce out: After a batter hits the ball, she must advance to 1st base. The
defense can get her out by throwing the fielded ball to 1st base before the
runner reaches the base. Additionally, other base runners must advance if they
are forced by a base runner behind them.
oul: Ball hit outside the two foul lines. Results in a strike. hen a batter hits a
foul ball with two strikes, the count remains the same and at bat continues,
because a foul cannot cause a strikeout. A "foul tip is a foul ball hit directly
behind the batter.
round ball: Ball hit with a low trajectory that bounces on the ground in the
infield.
round-rule double: A ball that bounces in fair territory and travels over the
outfield fence. The batter is awarded 2nd base, and all other runners on base
advance two bases.
Hit: A batted ball that allows a batter to safely reach base. A single (advances
to 1st base), double (advances to 2nd base), triple (advances to 3rd base),
and home run are all types of hits. A balls trajectory is usually a ground
ball, linedrive, or fly ball.
Hit and run: Base runner advances to the next base when the pitch is
released, knowing that the batter is swinging at the pitch.
Home run: Fair ball hit over the outfield fence between the two foul poles.
Batter and any runners on base are awarded home plate and each scores a run.
ine drive: Ball hit with a trajectory almost parallel to the ground.
ut: The defense must create three "outs, by strikeout, force-out, fly-out,
or tag-out, before it can switch to offense.
Run: Scored when an offensive player safely tags home plate.
$acrifice: A batter strategically hits the ball into an out situation to advance or
score a runner. Usually a "sacrifice bunt or "sacrifice fly.
$afe: Called when a base runner reaches a base without getting tagged out or
avoids a force out.
$tolen base: A play during which a runner advances a base when the pitcher
releases the pitch.
$trike: A ball that a batter swings at and misses, hits foul, or fails to swing at
that crosses the strike zone. A batter strikes out after three strikes.
$trike out: Occurs during an at-bat when a batter accumulates three strikes,
at which point the at-bat ends and the player is called out.
$trike zone: The area above home plate between a batters knees and her
armpits.
%ag out: A base runner that is not on a base when she is tagged by a player
with the ball is out.
%ag up: A player waits for a fly ball to be caught before advancing to the next
base or else the defense can throw the ball to the base that the runner was on
before she can return to it and record another out.
%riple play: A play during which the defense records three outs.
alk: Four balls from a pitcher results in the batter receiving a "walk, and
the batter automatically advances to 1st base. Players on successive bases who
are "forced to advance may move to the next base. Also called "base on balls.

appeaI pIay - a live or dead ball appeal play is a play about which an
umpire cannot make a decision until requested by a member of the
non-offending team. The appeal must be made before the next pitch,
legal or illegal. f the appeal is made at the end of an inning or at the
end of a game, the appeal will not be accepted if all players of the
defensive team have left fair territory
assist a defensive statistic credited to each fielder who throws or
deflects a batted or thrown ball to another fielder that results in an out
backnet the fence behind the batter's box (the umpire stands behind
the catcher with his/her back to the backstop)
baII as called by the umpire, a pitch that does not enter the strike
zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter
base one of 4 points on the infield that must be touched by a runner
in order to score a run. Also applies to the rubber or canvas bags
comprising 1
st
, 2
nd
and 3
rd
base, as well as the rubber plate known as
home plate
basepath the area between each base along which the base runner
must generally run
base on baIIs (BB) also called a "walk"; the award of 1
st
base to a
batter who, during his/her time at bat, receives 4 pitches (balls) outside
the strike zone at which the batter does not swing; pitchers may also
issue an intentional base on balls (walk) without throwing those 4
pitches, in which case the umpire is notified and he/she awards the
batter 1
st
base
base runner a player from the offensive team on a base or running
between bases
bases Ioaded referring to the offensive team when there are runners
on 1
st
, 2
nd
and 3
rd
base
bat - is used by the batter and is usually made of very high-grade
graphite, carbon, magnesium, ceramic or some combination. They can
also be wooden. They must be no longer than 34" (84.4cm) and weigh
no more than 38oz (1077g)
batter runner - a batter runner is a player who has finished a turn at
bat but has not yet been put out or touched 1
st
base
batter's box a rectangular area beside home plate where the batter
must stand to hit the pitch
batting average an offensive statistic, it is the number of safe hits
divided by the number of times at-bat
batting heImet - is used by the batter and all base runners to protect
themselves from any stray balls that might be thrown or pitched poorly
batting order the official list giving the sequence in which members
of the (offensive) team must come to bat
batting tee metal support with rubber tubing on which the ball is
placed to facilitate batting when live pitching is not used (used in tee-
ball competitions)
bIocked baII a batted, thrown or pitched ball, that is touched,
stopped or handled by a person not involved in the game, or which
touches and object that is not part of the official playing equipment or
official playing area
box score the summary of a game which lists the line-up for each
team, including substitute players, such offensive statistics as at-bats,
runs, hits, and runs batted in. The box score also lists such defensive
statistics as winning pitcher, losing pitcher, (pitcher credited with) save,
errors, wild pitches, and passed balls
buIIpen the area in foul territory adjacent to the outfield where
pitchers wait and warm-up during the game, except the pitcher
currently being used in the game
bunt an attempt by the batter to tap the ball with a stationary bat
instead of swinging at it; the bat is lowered to the flight of the ball,
parallel to the ground
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catch a legally caught ball that occurs when a fielder catches a
batted or thrown ball with their hand/s or glove
catcher defensive player who normally positions themself behind
home plate and receives pitches
catcher's gear - protective equipment only worn by the catcher. The
gear includes a facemask (with throat protector), chest protector, shin
guards and a catcher's glove. t is designed to protect them from
pitched or batted balls as a pitched ball can travel up to 130km/hr
centre fieIder the defensive player positioned near the middle of the
outfield
change-up a pitch thrown deceptively slow to surprise the batter
charged defensive conference when the fielding team request a
suspension of play ('time') so that a member from the bench can speak
to the pitcher. Only one defensive conference is permitted in any half
inning. f the coach insists on another conference, the pitcher is
removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game
charged offensive conferences - when the batting team request a
suspension of play ('time') to speak to any offensive team member.
Only one offensive conference is permitted in any half inning. f the
coach insists on another conference, the coach shall be ejected for the
game
chopped baII a ball at which the batter strikes downward with a
chopping motion of the bat, so that the ball bounces high into the air
compIete game a pitcher's statistic recorded when he/she has
thrown every pitch for his/her team during a game
crow hop the act of a pitcher who does not push off from the
pitcher's plate to deliver the ball. A crow hop occurs if the pitcher steps
off from the pitcher's plate (thereby establishing a second starting
point) and then pushes off from the newly established starting point to
complete the delivery. NOTE: The pitcher may leap from the pitcher's
plate, land, and with a continuous motion, deliver the ball to the plate.
The pivot foot may then push off and/or follow through with this
continuous action this is NOT considered to be a crow hop
curvebaII a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve
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dead baII a dead ball is one that:
O Touches any object that is not part of the official playing equipment or
area, or a player/person not engaged in the game
O Passes out of the outer limits of the playing field
O Lodges in the umpire's gear or an offensive player's clothing
O The umpire has ruled dead
defensive team the 9 players in the field (pitcher, catcher, 1
st
,
2
nd
and 3
rd
basemen, shortstop, and left, centre and right fielders)
deIayed dead baII a game situation in which the ball remains alive
until the conclusion of play. The umpire may then rule the ball dead
and enforce the appropriate ruling
designated pIayer (DP) a player designated to bat for any starting
player without otherwise affecting the status of player(s) in the game.
diamond the area on the softball infield between the bases on each
corner
doubIe a scoring statistic credited to a batter when he/she has hit a
ball safely into fair territory and advances to 2
nd
base in one continuous
play without the aid of defensive errors
doubIe pIay a defensive play in which 2 offensive players are put out
as a result of a continuous action
dugout the semi-enclosed area beside the playing field where
players sit when they are not actively involved in the game
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earned run a run for which the pitcher is held accountable
earned run average (ERA) the number of runs charged to a pitcher
averaged over innings pitched
error a defensive statistic charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or
wild throw) which permits a runner or batter runner to advance to one
or more bases without being put out
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fair baII a ball hit into the field of play (fair territory)
fair territory part of the playing field within and including the 1
st
and
3
rd
base foul lines, from home base to the extreme playing field fence
fastbaII a pitcher's fastest pitch
fieIder - any one of the 9 players of the defensive line up (pitcher,
catcher, 1
st
, 2
nd
and 3
rd
basemen, shortstop, and left, centre and right
fielders)
fieIder's choice the act of a defensive player who handles a fair
ground ball and, instead of throwing to 1
st
base to put out the batter,
throws to another base in an attempt to put out the preceding runner
fieIding percentage a defensive statistic also called fielding
average, it is the sum of putouts and assists divided by the sum of
putouts, assists, and errors in each fielding position played by a player
1
st
baseman the defensive player in the portion of the infield near
1
st
base
fIy baII a ball hit in the air
fIex pIayer the flex player is the defensive player for whom the
Designated Player (DP) is batting and whose name appears in the
10
th
position on the line-up card
forced out an out made on a forced runner. The fielder, while
holding the ball, contacts the base or touches the ball to the base
before the forced runner reaches the base
forced runner - a base runner who is forced to advance around the
bases because there is another base runner or batter runner
advancing behind them
fouI baII a batted ball that:
O Settles on foul territory between home and 1
st
base
O Settles on foul territory between home and 3
rd
base
O That bounds past 1
st
or 3
rd
base on or over foul territory
O That first falls on foul territory beyond 1
st
or 3
rd
base, or
O While on or over foul territory) touches the person of an umpire or
player or any foreign object to the natural ground
A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball
and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not whether the infielder is
on foul or fair territory at the time they touch the ball
fouI Iines the 2 straight lines extending from home plate past the
outside edges of 1
st
and 3
rd
bases to the outfield fence
fouI territory any part of the playing field that is not included in fair
territory
fouI tip a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to
the catcher's hands and is legally caught. t is not a foul tip unless
caught. Any foul tip that is caught is a strike and the ball is in play. t is
not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the
catcher's glove or hand
free runner a base runner who is not forced to advance around the
bases
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gIove is used by every fielder placed in a defensive position. They
are made of leather and have a pocket which is the area between the
thumb and first finger that allows for the ball to be caught
grand sIam a home run hit with a base runner on each base,
thereby scoring all 4 runs.
ground baII any ball that hits the ground
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haIf inning 3 outs allowed to the offensive team before it must take
defensive positions
hit when a batter reaches 1
st
base (or any succeeding base) safely
on a fair ball which settles on the ground or touches a fence before
being touched by a fielder, or which clears a fence
hit batsman also known as "hit by pitch" (HBP). A batter who has
been hit by a legally pitched ball. The batter is awarded 1
st
base
providing they do not swing and the pitch is not called a strike
home pIate the 5-sided piece of whitened rubber that the batter
stands beside while at bat and the area the pitch needs to pass over to
be judged a strike
home run the run made by a batter who makes it around all the
bases and back to home plate in one play
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iIIegaI pitch an act by the pitcher not allowed by rule, with or without
a runner on base. f there are runners on base, each advances one
base. n every case the batter is credited with one ball
iIIegaI pIayer a player who is taking position in the line-up (either on
offense or defence) who has not been reported to the umpire
infieId the diamond-shaped area in fair territory, formed by the 3
bases and home plate, is normally covered by defensive players
(known as infielders)
inning an inning is completed when both teams have completed
their turn at bat, with either 3 outs having been achieved or, if playing a
special batting rule(e.g. 9
th
batter rule) each player in the batting line up
has completed their turn at bat
intentionaI base on baIIs a base on balls intentionally issued by the
pitcher; the pitcher may notify the umpire of the desire to intentionally
walk a batter, in which case 4 balls do not need to be thrown, and the
umpire will immediately award the batter 1
st
base
interference an offensive player or team member that impedes,
hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play
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Ieaping the act of a pitcher, which causes them to be airborne on
their initial move and push from the pitcher's plate. This is a legal pitch,
providing the original push is from the pitcher's plate
Ieft fieIder the defensive player in the outfield closest to the 3
rd
base
foul line
Ieft on base those runners who have not scored and have not been
put out but who remain on base at the time of the 3
rd
out in the half-
inning
Iine drive a ball hit sharply in a straight line roughly parallel to the
ground
Iive baII a ball in play
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mercy ruIe see run ahead rule
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no-hitter a pitching statistic credited when the pitcher completes a
game and allows the opposing team no hits
obstruction an act by a catcher that hinders or prevents a batter
from hitting a pitch. On any such interference, the ball is dead and the
batter is awarded 1
st
base
offensive team the team that is at bat
on deck batter (offensive player) waiting in their defined area
adjacent to their bench to bat next
out elimination of an offensive player
outfieId the area outside the diamond but still within the foul lines,
covered by defensive players (outfielders)
over throw - when the ball is thrown beyond the dead ball line past
either 1
st
or 3
rd
base. The ball is dead and each base-runner is awarded
2 bases from the last legally touched base at the time of the throw
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passed baII a pitch that should have been held or controlled by the
catcher
perfect game a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she completes
a game and no batter on the opposing team has reached 1
st
base
pinch hitter a player who bats in place of a teammate
pinch runner a player who enters the game at a base to run for
another player
pitcher the player who throws the ball from the centre of the Softball
diamond to the catcher. n Softball the pitcher throws underarm, unlike
in baseball where the pitch is usually overarm
pIay baII the term used by the plate umpire to indicate that play
shall begin or be resumed
putout credited to each fielder who:
O Catches a fly ball or a line drive, whether fair or foul
O Catches a thrown ball which puts out a batter or runner
O Tags out a runner when the runner is off the base to which the runner
is legally entitled
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re-entry the act of any of the starting players returning to the game
after being legally or illegally substituted
right fieIder the defensive player in the outfield closest to the
1
st
base foul line
rise baII a technique used by the pitcher so that the ball lifts as it
reaches the batter
run the score made by the offensive team each time a player safely
reaches home plate
run batted in (RBI) an offensive statistic credited to a batter for
every run which reaches home plate because of the batter's safe hit,
sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice; or which is
forced over home plate by reason of the batter becoming a runner with
the bases loaded (on a base on balls, or an award of 1
st
base for being
touched by a pitched ball, or for interference or obstruction)
rundown a base runner who finds themself in the basepath between
the base they were on and the subsequent base that they're trying to
advance to or retreat back from in an effort to not tagged out
run ahead ruIe also called the mercy rule; if one team is losing by 15
runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 7 runs after 5 innings
the game is ended at that point
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sacrifice fIy an offensive statistic scored when, before 2 are out the
batter hits a fly ball or a line drive which is handled by a defensive
player in the outfield which:
O s caught and a runner scores after the catch
O s dropped and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judgment the runner
could have scored after the catch had the fly ball been caught
sacrifice hit an offensive statistic. A sacrifice bunt is scored when
before 2 are out:
O The batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at
1
st
base or would have been put out at 1
st
base except for a fielding
error, or
O The fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful
attempt to put out a preceding runner
safe offensive player advances without being put out and may
remain on the base to which he/she advanced
safety base also called the double base (applies to the 1
st
base
only). f a play is made at 1
st
base on any batted ball, or the batter runs
on a dropped third strike, the batter runner must use the safety base. f
the batter-runner touches only the fair portion, and if the defence
appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to 1
st
base, the batter-
runner is out. The defensive player must use only the fair portion of the
base.
scoring position a good position for scoring a run on most hits,
referring specifically to a base runner standing on 2
nd
base or 3
rd
base
2
nd
baseman the defensive player in the infield, stationed near
2
nd
base behind the pitcher
shortstop a defensive player who normally positions him/herself in
fair territory between 2
nd
base and the 3
rd
baseman
singIe a hit that allows a batter to reach 1
st
base safely
sIap performed by mostly left-handed hitters, it is an attempt to hit a
ground ball with a controlled short, chopping motion (rather than with a
full swing). A slap is not considered a bunt
sIugging percentage a batting statistic. The total number of bases
reached by safe hits, divided by the total times at bat (or total at-bats)
squeeze pIay a play in which the offensive team, with a runner on
3
rd
base, attempts to score that runner by means of the batter
contacting the ball
steaI a base runner's successful advance from one base to the next
during a pitch that is not hit
strike a pitched ball that either enters a strike zone and which the
batter attempts to hit or that results in a foul ball
strikeout scored when: a batter is put out by a 3
rd
strike caught by
the catcher; a batter is put out by a 3
rd
strike not caught when there is a
runner on first before 2 are out
strike zone the space over any part of home plate between the
batter's armpits and the top of their knees when they assume a natural
batting stance.






substitute any member of a team's roster who is not listed as a
starting player, or a starting player who re-enters the game
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tag touching a base runner with the ball or with a hand or glove that
is holding the ball in order to put them out when they are off base
10
th
batter ruIe applies to some forms of slowpitch Softball. When
the 10
th
batter in the line-up comes to bat, the umpire must notify the
fielding team. Once the 10
th
batter has completed their turn at bat and
all plays are completed, the batting side is deemed to have been
retired
tie breaker-if the game is tied after 7 innings the game will continue
using the "nternational Tie-Breaker Rule". Under this rule, each team
starts the inning with the player who completed the last official turn at
bat, as a base runner on 2
nd
base. Each subsequent inning will start
the same until a winner has been determined (in timed games in some
competitions the tie breaker is used when required to achieve a result,
such as finals)

rd
baseman the defensive player in the infield stationed near
3
rd
base that a base runner would touch before heading for home plate
time term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play
tripIe pIay a continuous action play by the defence on which 3
offensive players are put out
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utiIity pIayer a player who may play in more than one fielding
position
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waIk also called base on balls (BB). An automatic advance to
1
st
base for the batter after the pitcher delivers 4 "balls" as called by the
umpire, based on their being outside the strike zone
wiId pitch a pitch so high, so low, or so wide of home plate that it
cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher