History of Softball remains especially popular in North America, Japan, and parts of Europe,

and continues to be a sport that fosters community and athleticism

Origins across all age groups and genders.
- first played on Thanksgiving Day, 1887, in Chicago, Illinois
- game began as an indoor activity at the Farragut Boat Club, Objective
where George Hancock, a reporter, is credited with inventing it -to score the most runs
- started when group of Yale and Harvard alumni run is scored when a player on the offensive (batting) team advances around
were playfully tossing a boxing glove and all four bases, touching each in turn, without being “put out” by a player on
using a broomstick to hit it after a football game the defensive (fielding) team.

(1889) first rulebook have been issued by HANCOCK Teams

-played between two teams. Although each team can have more players on
Development of the Sport their rosters, only 9 will be playing at any given time. Substitutions can be
- Early Names: initially called various names like made, pursuant to certain rules, so that each team has players “on the
Softbund ball, Mush ball, Diamond ball, Kitten ball, bench” who may be called into play at some point of the game.
Playground ball, Ladies baseball (because it was played by women)
depending on region. Field
- Outdoor Play (1895): moved outdoors, consist of an infield, with exposed dirt and a grassy outfield.
which helped it gain popularity as a summertime activity. 1. infield is sometimes referred to as the diamond, is laid out in a square.
- Standardization (early 20th century): rules and equipment started becoming i. Most fastpitch softball fields have 60 ft between each base
more standardized, thanks to organizations like ii. starting and ending base is called the “HOME”
Amateur Softball Association (ASA) (est.1933) iii. other corners going counter clockwise from home are
first base, second base, and third base
Growth and Popularity 2. middle of field is pitcher's mound, pitcher stands to pitch ball to batter.
- International Expansion (1930s): spread to other countries, 3. outfield, area beyond infield, bordered by first and third baselines.
including Canada, Japan, and the Philippines.
- Variations: Different versions of the game evolved, such as Innings
fastpitch, slow pitch, and modified pitch, consist of two halves, called “top” and “bottom”.
each catering to different skill levels and audiences. 1. top comes first. players on the visiting team attempt to hit the ball and
- Women's Participation: Softball gained immense popularity score runs. At the same time, the team who is hosting the game is “in the
among women and was one of few sports widely accessible to women in field”, and is trying to prevent the visiting team from scoring.
early 20th century. 2. In the bottom, second half, the roles are switched, with the visiting team in
the field and the home team at bat.
Softball in Olympics (1996) 3. Games usually consist of seven innings, youth leagues may play fewer.
- Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia 4. at end of top of last inning, if home game is ahead, game will end.
- removed after 2008 Beijing Olympics
but was reinstated for 2020 Tokyo Olympics,
where it showcased intense international competition.

Facilities and Equipment

Today, softball is played worldwide, both recreationally and competitively.
Facilities FBID
Equipment B3 C Cg G H Pr
1. Softball Field Dimensions
- Shape: diamond shape with dirt infield and grass outfield 1. Ball
- Bases: - Circumference: 11-12 inches (27.9-30.5 cm) depending on league
- Distance between bases: 60 feet (18.3 meters) - Weight: 6.25-7 ounces (177-198 grams)
- Material: Leather or synthetic cover with a raised seam
Fast Pitch Baselines Slow Pitch Baselines Wheelchair Baselines

60 ft 70 ft / 65 ft 50 ft 2. Bat
(depend on association & level of play) - Length: 28-34 inches (71-86 cm) not be longer than 34″ (84.4cm)
- Pitcher’s Mound: - Weight: 26-30 ounces (737-850 grams) weigh no more than 38oz (1077g)
- Distance from pitcher's rubber to home plate: - Diameter: Maximum 2.25 inches (5.7 cm)
43 feet (13.1 meters) for women’s fastpitch. - Material: Aluminum, composite, wood, metal, bamboo, plastic, graphite, carbon,
46 feet (14 meters) for men’s fastpitch. magnesium, fibreglass, ceramic or any other composite material approved by international body

- Outfield Fence:
3. Glove: have pocket which is area between thumb & first finger, allows for ball to be caught
- Distance from home plate to the outfield fence:
- Size: 12-14 inches (30.5-35.5 cm) depending on position.
200-225 feet (61-68.5 meters) for women.
- Material: Leather or synthetic.
225-250 feet (68.5-76.2 meters) for men.
4. Helmet
2. Infield
- Equipped with a faceguard (for batters and base runners).
- Pitcher's Circle: 16-foot (4.88 meters) diameter surrounds pitching rubber.
- Must meet safety standards.
- Base Line: Lines connecting bases, forming square.
5. Cleats
3. Dugouts
- Made of rubber or metal.
- Located along first and third baselines.
- Metal cleats are allowed in advanced leagues.
- Dimensions depend on league but typically 20-30 feet long (6-9 meters)
6. Catcher’s Gear
4. Backstop
- Chest Protector: Covers torso.
- Distance from home plate: 25-30 feet (7.6-9.1 meters)
- Leg Guards: Cover from knees to ankles.
- Catcher’s Mask/Helmet: Protects head and face.

7. Bases
- Material: Canvas or rubber.
- Size: 15 x 15 inches (38 x 38 cm), 3-5 inches thick

8. Pitching Rubber
- Size: 24 x 6 inches (61 x 15 cm)
- Positioned on the pitcher’s mound.

Differences of Softball and Baseball

 SOFTBALL BASEBALL

Field Pitching Distance 43 feet (13.1 m) for fastpitch (women); 46 feet (14 m) for men 60 feet 6 inches (18.4 m)
Dimensions
Base Distance 60 feet (18.3 m) 90 feet (27.4 m)

Outfield Fence 200-225 feet (61-68.5 m) 300-400 feet (91.4-121.9 m)

Ball Size Larger, 11-12 inches (27.9-30.5 cm) in circumference Smaller, 9 inches (22.9 cm) in circumference

Color Usually bright yellow with raised seams for better visibility Typically white with red stitching

Bat Length and Weight Lighter and shorter, maximum 34 inches (86 cm) Heavier and longer, up to 42 inches (107 cm)

Material Aluminum or composite Wood (in professional leagues)

aluminum or composite (in amateur leagues)

Pitching Style Underhand delivery, often with a "windmill" motion Overhand or sidearm delivery
Pitching distance is shorter, increasing reaction time for batter Greater speed and more variation in pitches

Game Duration 7 innings per game 9 innings per game

Base Stealing Rules Runners cannot leave the base until the ball is pitched Runners can lead off and steal at any time during pitcher's motion

Equipment Gloves Larger gloves to accommodate the larger ball Slightly smaller gloves

Cleats Rubber cleats are common in lower leagues; Metal cleats are widely used
some leagues allow metal cleats

Gameplay Speed Faster-paced due to shorter pitching distances and field dimensions Longer games field dimensions allow more strategic plays

Popularity and Participation More popular among women and recreational leagues Globally recognized, played professionally, esp leagues like MLB

1. The ball is always pitched underarm,

while in baseball is usually thrown overarm or sidearm
2. A softball is larger; less dense and heavier than a baseball
3. Softball bats are generally shorter and thicker than baseball bats
4.The field used for softball are normally smaller
5. The game is seven innings long,
as opposed to nine in professional baseball

Softball Terms (100+)

appeal play – live or dead ball appeal play is play about which umpire cannot make decision
until requested by member of non-offending team. appeal must be made before next pitch, legal
or illegal. If appeal is made at end of an inning or at end of a game, appeal will not be accepted charged offensive conference – when the batting team request a suspension of play (‘time’) to
if all players of defensive team have left fair territory speak to any offensive team member. Only one offensive conference is permitted in any half
assist – defensive statistic credited to each fielder who throws or deflects a batted or thrown ball inning. If the coach insists on another conference, the coach shall be ejected for the game
to another fielder that results in an out chopped ball – batter strikes downward with chopping motion of bat, ball bounces high into air
backnet – fence behind batter’s box (umpire stands behind catcher with back to the backnet) complete game – pitcher’s statistic recorded, has thrown every pitch for team during game
ball – called by umpire, pitch does not enter strike zone in flight and is not struck at by batter crow hop – act of a pitcher who does not push off from the pitcher’s plate to deliver the ball.
base – one of four points on infield that must be touched by a runner in order to score a run. pitcher steps off from the pitcher’s plate (thereby establishing a second starting point) and then
Also applies to rubber or canvas bags comprising 1st, 2nd and 3rd base, pushes off from the newly established starting point to complete the delivery.
as well as rubber plate known as home plate NOTE: pitcher may leap from the pitcher’s plate, land, and with a continuous motion, deliver the
basepath – area between each base along which base runner must generally run ball to the plate. The pivot foot may then push off and/or follow through with this continuous
base on balls (BB) – also called a “walk”; the award of 1st base to a batter who, during his/her action – this is NOT considered to be a crow hop
time at bat, receives four pitches (balls) outside the strike zone at which the batter does not curveball – a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve
swing; pitchers may also issue an intentional base on balls (walk) without throwing those four dead ball – a dead ball is one that:
pitches, in which case the umpire is notified and he/she awards the batter 1st base ● Touches any object that is not part of the official playing equipment or area, or a
base runner – offensive team on base or running between bases (touched one of the bases) player/person not engaged in the game
bases loaded – referring to offensive team when there are runners on 1st, 2nd and 3rd base ● Passes out of the outer limits of the playing field
bat – used by batter ● Lodges in the umpire’s gear or an offensive player’s clothing
batter-runner – a batter-runner is a player who has finished a turn at bat but has not yet been ● The umpire has ruled dead
put out or touched 1st base defensive team – nine players in field (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd and 3rd basemen, shortstop,
batter’s box – a rectangular area beside home plate where the batter must stand to hit the pitch and left, centre and right fielders)
batting average – offensive statistic, number of safe hits divided by number of times at-bat delayed dead ball – a game situation in which the ball remains alive until the conclusion of play.
batting helmet – used by batter and all base runners to protect themselves from any stray balls umpire may then rule the ball dead and enforce the appropriate ruling
that might be thrown or pitched poorly designated player (DP) – a player designated to bat for any starting player without otherwise
batting order – official list giving sequence, members of (offensive) team must come to bat affecting the status of player(s) in the game.
batting tee – metal support with rubber tubing on which the ball is placed to facilitate batting diamond – area on softball infield between bases on each corner
when live pitching is not used (used in tee-ball competitions) double – scoring statistic credited to batter when he/she has hit a ball safely into fair territory
blocked ball – batted, thrown or pitched ball, that is touched, stopped or handled by a person and advances to 2nd base in one continuous play without aid of defensive errors
not involved in the game, or which touches an object that is not part of the official playing double play – defensive play, two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action
equipment or official playing area dugout – semi-enclosed area beside playing field, players sit not actively involved in game
box score – the summary of a game which lists the line-up for each team, including substitute earned run – a run for which the pitcher is held accountable
players, such offensive statistics as at-bats, runs, hits, and runs batted in. The box score also earned run average (ERA) – number of runs charged to pitcher averaged over innings pitched
lists such defensive statistics as winning pitcher, losing pitcher, (pitcher credited with) save, error – defensive statistic charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or wild throw)
errors, wild pitches, and passed balls permits runner or batter-runner to advance to one or more bases without being put out
bullpen – area in foul territory adjacent to outfield where pitchers wait and warm-up during fair ball – ball hit into field of play (fair territory)
game, except pitcher currently being used in the game fair territory – part of playing field within and including 1st and 3rd base foul lines,
bunt – attempt by batter to tap ball with stationary bat instead of swinging at it; from home base to extreme playing field fence
bat is lowered to the flight of ball, parallel to the ground fastball – pitcher’s fastest pitch
catch – legally caught ball when fielder catches batted or thrown ball with hand/s or glove fielder – any one of the nine players of the defensive line up
catcher – defensive player who normally positions behind home plate and receives pitches (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd and 3rd basemen, shortstop, and left, centre and right fielders)
catcher’s gear – protective equipment only worn by catcher. fielder’s choice – act of defensive player who handles fair ground ball, instead of throwing to
includes facemask (with throat protector), chest protector, shin guards and catcher’s glove. 1st base to put out batter-runner, throws to another base in attempt to put out preceding runner
designed to protect from pitched or batted balls as a pitched ball can travel up to 130km/hr fielding percentage – defensive statistic also called fielding average, sum of putouts and
centre fielder – defensive player positioned near middle of the outfield assists divided by sum of putouts, assists, and errors in each fielding position played by a player
change-up – pitch thrown deceptively slow to surprise batter 1st baseman – defensive player in portion of infield near 1st base
fly ball – ball hit in air

charged defensive conference – when fielding team request a suspension of play (‘time’) so flex player – defensive player for whom the Designated Player (DP) is batting and
that member from bench can communicate to any defensive player. Three defensive whose name appears in the 10th position on the line-up card
conferences are permitted across a regular seven inning game, and one per inning in extra forced out – out made on a forced runner. the fielder, while holding the ball, contacts the base
innings. If coach makes a substitution for pitcher, no conference is charged. If coach insists on or touches the ball to the base before the forced runner reaches the base
an extra conference, current pitcher is removed from pitching position for remainder of game
forced runner – a base runner who is forced to advance around the bases because there is mercy rule – see run ahead rule
another base runner or batter-runner advancing behind them no-hitter – pitching statistic credited when pitcher completes game, opposing team no hits
foul ball – a batted ball that: obstruction – Obstruction is an act by a member of the defensive team that hinders or prevents
● Settles on foul territory between home and 1st base a batter from swinging at a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner
● Settles on foul territory between home and 3rd base running to a base
● That bounds past 1st or 3rd base on or over foul territory offensive team – the team that is at bat
● That first falls on foul territory beyond 1st or 3rd base, or on deck batter – (offensive player) waiting in defined area adjacent to their bench to bat next
● While on or over foul territory touches the person of an umpire or player or any foreign out – elimination of an offensive player
object to the natural ground outfield – area outside diamond, still within foul lines, covered by defensive players (outfielders)
A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including over throw – when the ball is thrown beyond the dead ball line past either 1st or 3rd base. The
the foul pole, and not whether the infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time they touch the ball is dead and each base-runner is awarded two bases from the last legally touched base at
ball the time of the throw
foul lines – two straight lines extending from home plate passed ball – a pitch that should have been held or controlled by the catcher
past outside edges of 1st and 3rd bases to outfield fence perfect game – a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she completes a game and no batter on
foul territory – any part of the playing field that is not included in fair territory the opposing team has reached 1st base
foul tip – batted ball that goes sharply and directly from bat to catcher’s hands and is legally pinch hitter – a player who bats in place of a teammate
caught. not a foul tip unless caught. Any foul tip that is caught is a strike and the ball is in play. It pinch runner – a player who enters the game at a base to run for another player
is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand pitcher – the player who throws the ball from the centre of the Softball diamond to the catcher.
free runner – a base runner who is not forced to advance around the bases In Softball the pitcher throws underarm, unlike in baseball where the pitch is usually overarm
glove – is used by every fielder placed in a defensive position. play ball – the term used by the plate umpire to indicate that play shall begin or be resumed
grand slam – a home run hit with a base runner on each base, thereby scoring all 4 runs. putout – credited to each fielder who:
ground ball – any ball that hits the ground ● Catches a fly ball or a line drive, whether fair or foul
half inning – three outs allowed to the offensive team before it must take defensive positions ● Catches a thrown ball which puts out a batter or runner
hit – when a batter reaches 1st base (or any succeeding base) safely on a fair ball which settles ● Tags out a runner when the runner is off the base to which the runner is legally
on the ground or touches a fence before being touched by a fielder, or which clears a fence entitled
hit batsman/“hit by pitched ball” (HPB) – batter who has been hit by a legally pitched ball. re-entry – act of any of starting players returning to game after legally or illegally substituted
The batter is awarded 1st base providing they do not swing and the pitch is not called a strike right fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the 1st base foul line
home plate – the five-sided piece of whitened rubber that the batter stands beside while at bat rise ball – a technique used by the pitcher so that the ball lifts as it reaches the batter
and the area the pitch needs to pass over to be judged a strike run – score made by the offensive team each time a player safely reaches home plate
home run – run made by batter, makes it around all bases and back to home plate in one play run batted in (RBI) – an offensive statistic credited to a batter for every run which reaches
illegal pitch – an act by the pitcher not allowed by rule, with or without a runner on base. If there home plate because of the batter’s safe hit, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder’s
are runners on base, each advances one base. In every case the batter is credited with one ball choice; or which is forced over home plate by reason of the batter becoming a runner with the
illegal player – a player who is taking position in the line-up (either on offense or defence) who bases loaded (on a base on balls, or an award of 1st base for being touched by a pitched ball, or
has not been reported to the umpire for interference or obstruction)
infield – the diamond-shaped area in fair territory, formed by the three bases and home plate, is rundown – base runner who finds themself in basepath between base they were on and
normally covered by defensive players (known as infielders) subsequent base trying to advance to or retreat back from effort to not get tagged out
inning – an inning is completed when both teams have completed their turn at bat, with either run ahead rule – also called the mercy rule; if one team is losing by 15 runs after three innings,
three outs having been achieved or, if playing a special batting rule (e.g. 9th batter rule) each 10 runs after four innings, or 7 runs after five innings the game is ended at that point
player in the batting line up has completed their turn at bat sacrifice bunt – an offensive statistic. A sacrifice bunt is scored when before two are out:
intentional base on balls – a base on balls intentionally issued by the pitcher; the pitcher may ● The batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at 1st base or
notify the umpire of the desire to intentionally walk a batter, in which case four balls do not need would have been put out at 1st base except for a fielding error, or
to be thrown, and the umpire will immediately award the batter 1st base ● The fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an unsuccessful attempt to put out a
interference – an offensive player or team member that impedes, hinders or confuses a preceding runner
defensive player attempting to execute a play sacrifice fly – an offensive statistic scored when, before two are out, the batter hits a fly ball or
leaping – the act of a pitcher, which causes them to be airborne on their initial move and push a line drive which is handled by a defensive player in the outfield which:
from the pitcher’s plate. legal pitch, providing original push is from the pitcher’s plate ● Is caught and a runner scores after the catch
left fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the 3rd base foul line ● Is dropped and a runner scores, if in the scorer’s judgment the runner could have
left on base – those runners who have not scored and have not been put out but who remain on scored after the catch had the fly ball been caught
base at the time of the 3rd out in the half-inning safe – offensive player advances without being put out and may remain on the base to which
line drive – a ball hit sharply in a straight line roughly parallel to the ground he/she advanced
live ball – a ball in play
safety base – also called the double base (applies to the 1st base only). The use of the double 1. Pitcher: Throws ball to catcher, past batter, in attempt to prevent it from
base at first base is designed to prevent collisions between the batter-runner and defensive
being hit.
players making a play at first base, it also allows clearer throwing lanes for defensive plays near
the first base line, which keeps the batter-runner safer. 2. Catcher: Determines pitch will be thrown, receives ball, attempts to
scoring position – a good position for scoring a run on most hits, referring specifically to a base prevent runners from advancing. (Infielders: field balls hit in the field.)
runner standing on 2nd base or 3rd base 3. First Baseman: position to the right side of diamond when facing the field.
2nd baseman – the defensive player in the infield, stationed near 2nd base behind the pitcher
major role of first baseman is to receive throws from other defensive players
shortstop – a defensive player who normally positions him/herself in fair territory between 2nd
base and the 3rd baseman in order to get a force play at first base.
single – a hit that allows a batter to reach 1st base safely 4. Second Baseman: plays in between first baseman and gap at second. If
slap – performed by mostly left-handed hitters, it is an attempt to hit a ground ball with a ball is hit to the left side of the field, second covers second base.
controlled short, chopping motion (rather than with a full swing). A slap is not considered a bunt
5. Short Stop: fields all balls hit to the infield between second and third
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) bases. This individual also helps cover second base, third base and is
squeeze play – offensive team, with a runner on 3rd base, frequently involved in force plays, double play sand frequently throws ball to
attempts to score that runner by means of the batter contacting the ball catcher to throw out runners at home plate. On steals to second base (when
steal – base runner’s successful advance from one base to next during a pitch that is not hit
runner from first is advancing to second on pitch) shortstop usually covers.
strike – pitched ball that enters strike zone, batter fails to hit, pitched ball that batter swings at
and misses, or pitched ball that results in foul ball (with less than two strikes on batter already) 6. Third Baseman: covers all hits to third base. third base person also
strikeout – scored when: a batter is put out by a 3rd strike caught by the catcher, or a batter is frequently throws ball to catcher trying to throw out runner at home plate.
put out by a 3rd strike not caught when there is a runner on first and less than two are out individual at third base usually thinks fast because of types of hits that
strike zone – the space over any part of home plate under the batter’s armpits and above the
commonly occur in that zone. Quick thinking can often stop runners from
top of their knees when they assume a natural batting stance
substitute – any member of team’s roster not listed as starting player scoring or can result in double plays
or starting player who re-enters game 7. Outfielders. Left field, center field,
tag – touching base runner with ball or with hand or glove that is holding ball right field: field balls that are hit in the outfield, as well as provide back-up for
in order to put them out when they are off base
balls that get past infielders.
10th batter rule – applies to some forms of slowpitch Softball. When 10th batter in the line-up
comes to bat, the umpire must notify the fielding team. Once the 10th batter has completed their
turn at bat and all plays are completed, the batting side is deemed to have been retired How to incur a "ball" or "strike" in game
tie breaker – if the game is tied after seven innings the game will continue using the 1. batters gets three strikes, while attempting to hit ball.
“International Tie-Breaker Rule”. Under this rule, each team starts the extra innings with the
After three strikes she is charged with an out, and bat ends.
player due to bat last, as a base runner on 2nd base. Each subsequent inning will start the same
until a winner has been determined (in timed games in some competitions the tie breaker is There are several different ways to incur a strike:
used when required to achieve a result, such as finals) I. Hitting ball into foul territory (unless batter already has two strikes)
3rd baseman – the defensive player in the infield stationed near 3rd base II. Swinging without making contact with ball
time – term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play
III. Not swinging on a pitch that umpire decides was inside strike zone
triple play – a continuous action play by the defence on which three offensive players are put
out 2. pitcher is required to throw pitches inside strike zone. A pitch outside strike
utility player – may play in more than one fielding position zone, that a batter refused to swing at, is called a “ball”. After the fourth “ball”
walk/base on balls (BB) – automatic advance to 1st base for batter after pitcher delivers four in an at bat, batter is entitled to walk to first base.
“balls” as called by umpire, based on their being outside the strike zone
wild pitch – so high, low, or wide of home plate, can’t be handled with ordinary effort by catcher

Defensive Fielding Positions (9)

ball– called by umpire, pitch does not enter strike zone in flight and is not struck at by batter
 batting box- a rectangular area beside home plate where the batter must stand to hit the pitch
basepath– area between each base along which base runner must generally run

batting averahe-offensive statistic, number of safe hits divided by number of times at-bat
used by batter and all base runners to protect themselves from any stray balls that might be
thrown or pitched poorly

batting order-official list giving sequence, members of (offensive) team must come to bat

base– one of four points on infield that must be touched by a runner in order to score a run.
Also applies to rubber or canvas bags comprising 1st, 2nd and 3rd,
as well as rubber plate known as _______home plate

deadball– The umpire has ruled dead

bullpen– area in foul territory adjacent to outfield where pitchers wait and warm-up during game,
except pitcher currently being used in the game

deadball– Lodges in the umpire’s gear or an offensive player’s clothing

bunt- attempt by batter to tap ball with stationary bat instead of swinging at it;
bat is lowered to the flight of ball, parallel to the ground

catch– legally caught ball when fielder catches batted or thrown ball with hand/s or glove

catcher– defensive player who normally positions behind home plate and receives pitches

catchers gear- protective equipment only worn by catcher.

Includes
1 facemask (throat protection)2chest protection 3 shear guards4 catchers glove
designed to protect from pitched or batted balls as a pitched ball can travel up to 130km/hr

base runner– offensive team on base or running between bases (touched one of the bases)

centre fieldee– defensive player positioned near middle of the outfield

deadball– Passes out of the outer limits of the playing field

deadball– Touches any object that is not part of the official playing equipment or area, or a
player/person not engaged in the game

bases loaded- referring to offensive team when there are runners on 1st, 2nd and 3rd base

defensive team- nine players in field (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd and 3rd basemen, shortstop, and
left, centre and right fielders)

base on balls – also called a “walk”; the award of 1st base to a batter who, during his/her time at
bat, receives four 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 four pitches,
in which case the umpire is notified and he/she awards the batter 1st base