“Middles Open!” Norms Regarding Hitting in Adult Recreational Softball

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The number of adults and children estimated to be playing softball in the United States was more than 42 million in 1991 (Dickson, 1994). In the 20 years since that estimate, it is likely that the number has grown even higher with participation rates high for both men and women. Recent estimates from the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) are that 2.5 million players are involved annually in their adult softball programs (ASA 2010). However, the Amateur Softball Association is just one of many softball organizations that run tournaments and leagues for participants. Leagues and tournaments are available for players at all skill levels ranging from novice to highly competitive. The sport of softball includes both fastpitch and slowpitch versions. The focus of this paper is on slowpitch softball (as was the work of Amenta, 2007) where the pitch is delivered underhand with a specified minimum amount of arc (typically the pitch must at least go over the batter’s head). Thus, unlike fastpitch softball or baseball, a slowpitch softball batter has time to adjust their swing and exert some control over where they hit the ball. Of course, how much control one can exert depends on the skill level of the player, but the slow speed of the pitch makes some bat control possible.