Due to the close proximity and the speed in which pitchers are throwing the ball, it is important that batters wear a face mask. Just like a catcher, a batter is putting their body in the firing line, and an errant pitch, missed catch or foul ball could strike the batter in the face.
Besides, Should infielders wear face masks?
Thus, there are only two states that require face masks in any position on the infield: Missouri and Kentucky. Missouri only requires pitchers to wear face masks, while Kentucky requires the pitcher, first base and third base positions to wear face masks.
Keeping this in mind, Do softball players have to wear face masks? The NCAA, NFHS, USA, and USSSA Softball all allow face masks for defensive players, but none of them require the face masks. If a player wears a fielder’s mask, it must fit properly and be in good repair. NFHS and the NCAA allow that an eye shield may be worn on the facemask.
Do softball players have to wear masks?
Since 2006, softball batters have been required to wear a helmet with a face mask. But there are no rules for infielders — and none in the works. This means that players like Didi Duran don’t have to wear a mask.
Do softball pitchers wear helmets?
Safe Fastpitch Gear
Batting helmets must be worn whenever a player is at bat, waiting to bat, running the bases, or helping coaches at first or third base. Some leagues may even require pitchers to wear them. Helmets should cover both ears and have an approved face guard attached that fits comfortably.
What is the fastest softball pitch ever?
The fastest recorded softball pitch is 77 mph (123.9 km/h), achieved by Monica Abbott (USA) on 16 June 2012 in a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) game for the Chicago Bandits against the Carolina Diamonds in Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.
Which of the following positions on defense would most commonly wear a protective mask in softball?
Fielder’s Mask. Face masks are usually worn by the pitcher, 1st basemen, shortstop and third basemen because those are the areas where line drives will most likely occur. They are meant to protect your eyes, mouth, teeth and nose from detrimental injuries.
Why is softball called softball?
It was invented in 1887 in Chicago, Illinois, United States as an indoor game. … The name “softball” was given to the game in 1926 because the ball used to be soft; however, in modern-day usage, the balls are hard.
What is the most popular size softball in inches?
Today the game of softball is played worldwide with standard sets of rules. There are still three sizes of balls in use: 12-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch. The 12-inch ball is the most popular.
Do college softball pitchers wear masks?
Today at the college level, face masks are commonly worn by pitchers and corner infielders. These are the fielders who are closest to the batter. … Pitchers who choose not to wear one shouldn’t be criticized or judged because they are playing the game the way they were taught growing up.
Do softball players wear hats?
1 of the NCAA softball handbook, “Visors and caps are uniform accessories, may be mixed, and must be of the same predominant color and worn as intended by the manufacturer.” For SU, the predominant color used on hats and visors is blue. … Her dad can be superstitious, she said, which is why she wears the hat.
Why do softball pitchers throw underhand?
Although fast-pitch softball may be less risky than youth baseball, the potential for injury still exists. … One reason is that softball pitchers throw underhand, a motion thought to stress the arm less than the overhand throws seen in baseball.
Do softball pitchers wear a helmet?
Safe Fastpitch Gear
Batting helmets must be worn whenever a player is at bat, waiting to bat, running the bases, or helping coaches at first or third base. Some leagues may even require pitchers to wear them.
What is the fastest pitch ever recorded?
Fastest pitch ever thrown
As a result, Aroldis Chapman is credited with throwing the fastest pitch in MLB history. On Sept. 24, 2010, Chapman made MLB history. Then a rookie relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, the fireballer unleashed a fastball clocked at 105.1 mph by PITCH/fx.
How fast did Jennie pitch at 13?
Average softball pitching speed by age
| Age | Average Pitching Speeds | High-end Averages |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 41 – 48 MPH | 49 – 53 MPH |
| 13 |
45 – 53 MPH |
54 – 56 MPH |
| 14 | 46 – 54 MPH | 55 – 58 MPH |
| 15 | 49 – 54 MPH | 55 – 60 MPH |
How fast was Jennie’s fastball?
Jennie Finch’s underhand fastball pitch comes in at around 68 mph. Her long stride moves her several feet closer to the plate by the time the ball leaves her hand.
What do softball players wear?
Uniforms – Players are expected to perform in matching jerseys, pants, socks (depending on the pants), shoes, caps, and undergarments that aren’t frayed or slit. Bats – There are dramatic variations among larger to full size bats, mostly involving length and weight, even among fast pitch and slow pitch softball bats!
Do softball players wear shin guards?
Shin Guards and Chest Protectors
The primary softball positions to wear shin guards are the catcher and pitcher. Shin guards are extremely important for catchers because they protect the knees, legs, and shins from various scrapes when going for foul balls and/or pitches in the dirt.
What are positions in softball?
How to Choose your Softball Position
- Pitcher.
- Catcher.
- First Base.
- Second Base.
- Shortstop.
- Third Base.
- Left Field.
- Center Field.
When did softball get its name?
People also called it Pumpkin Ball, Recreation Ball, Twilight Ball, Army Ball, Lightning Ball, Mushball, Big Ball and Night Ball. In 1926, however, a man named Walter Hankanson, a YMCA official in Denver, coined the term Softball and by 1930 that became the officially recognized name of the sport.
Who Named the term softball?
The name “softball” dates back to 1926. The name was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA at a meeting of the National Recreation Congress. (In addition to “indoor baseball”, “kitten ball”, and “diamond ball”, names for the game included “mush ball”, and “pumpkin ball”.)
When did softball change from white to yellow?
Finally, in 2002, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) made the familiar bright-yellow hue the official color of their respective leagues’ softball.
What is a standard size softball?
What is the diameter of a softball? 10 and under teams typically use a softball with a circumference of 11 inches and diameter of 3.5 inches. 11 and up age teams typically use a softball with a circumference of 12 inches and a diameter of 3.8 inches.
How far can you hit a 16 inch softball?
The Playing Field
The official 16 inch diamond base lines will be sixty (60) feet. The pitching distance will be thirty-eight (38) feet. All batters start with 0-0 count ● No Extra foul balls!
What age uses 11-inch softballs?
Boys’ and girls’ teams with players aged 10 and younger usually use the smaller 11-inch ball. Some women’s slow pitch leagues also use the 11-inch ball.