1.
Who is the person that throws the ball to the home base?
Correct Answer
C. Pitcher
Explanation
The person that throws the ball to the home base is the pitcher. In baseball, the pitcher is responsible for delivering the ball towards home plate, aiming to strike out the batter or induce a ground ball or fly ball. The pitcher stands on the pitcher's mound and uses various pitching techniques to throw the ball with speed and accuracy towards the catcher at home base.
2.
How many players are there on the field?
Correct Answer
B. 9
Explanation
The standard positions in softball are:
Pitcher
Catcher
First baseman
Second baseman
Third baseman
Shortstop
Left fielder
Center fielder
Right fielder
These positions cover both the infield and the outfield, making up the full defensive team on the field.
3.
Up to how many base umpires are there in an official game?
Correct Answer
D. 3
Explanation
In an official game of softball, there can be up to three base umpires. This setup is used in addition to a home plate umpire, bringing the total to four umpires for higher levels of play, such as college and professional games. The three base umpires are positioned at first base, second base, and third base, respectively, to monitor and make calls related to the bases.
4.
A batter is out when:
Correct Answer
C. A fly ball is caught by a player
Explanation
When a batter hits a fly ball and a player from the opposing team catches it, the batter is considered out. This is a standard rule in baseball, where a fly ball caught by the defense results in an out for the batter.
5.
What is the maximum amount of umpires released in a game?
Correct Answer
E. 4
Explanation
In softball, the maximum number of umpires typically used in a game is 4. Softball games usually utilize between one and four umpires depending on the level of play and the importance of the game. One umpire might be sufficient for local league games, while higher levels like collegiate or professional games might use two to four umpires for better coverage of bases and the outfield.
6.
What is the playing field called?
Correct Answer
A. Baseball Diamond
Explanation
The playing field in baseball is commonly referred to as a "baseball diamond" because of its shape. It consists of a square-shaped infield with bases placed at each corner, forming a diamond shape. This term is widely used and recognized in the sport of baseball.
7.
In fastpitch softball, how many players are typically positioned in the outfield?
Correct Answer
B. Three
Explanation
In fastpitch softball, there are nine players on the field at one time. The outfield consists of three players: left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
8.
When a pitcher throws __________ balls, does the batter get a free walk/run?
Correct Answer
C. 4
Explanation
In baseball, a pitcher must throw four balls outside of the strike zone for the batter to be awarded a free walk/run. Therefore, when a pitcher throws four balls, the batter gets a free walk/run.
9.
What is a Bunt?
Correct Answer
C. The batter dosn't take a full swing because they are trying to keep the ball in the infield
Explanation
A bunt is a type of hit in baseball where the batter intentionally does not take a full swing in order to keep the ball in the infield. This strategy is often used to advance baserunners or to try to reach base safely by placing the ball in a specific location on the field. Bunting requires precise technique and is typically used in specific game situations.
10.
Is the runner allowed to steal a base before the pitcher throws?
Correct Answer
B. No
Explanation
The runner is not allowed to steal a base before the pitcher throws. Stealing a base refers to the act of a baserunner advancing to the next base while the pitcher is in the process of delivering the ball to home plate. However, in order to steal a base, the pitcher must first throw the ball towards home plate. Therefore, the runner cannot steal a base before the pitcher throws.