DP in Softball: Detailed Explanation of the Acronym
If you are a baseball fan, you are probably already aware of Softball. Softball is actually a “milder” version of baseball. Why so? Since it’s played on a smaller field with a bigger, softer ball, seven innings instead of nine, and underarm pitching. DP in Softball is the acronym for “Designated Player.” The game “Softball” emerged from a version of indoor baseball in the United States during the late nineteenth century.
What does DP mean? A designated player or DP in Softball is similar to the designated hitter rule in American League baseball, but it is far more potent in substitution. In Softball, contrary to baseball, the designated hitter can bat for any position player, not only the pitcher.
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The rules that the DP in Softball needs to follow
Various rules are levied on the DP in Softball when they are to substitute any player:
- On defenses, DP in Softball is eligible to play in any position.
- Even when utilized, DP and Flex titles never cease.
- During the game, team member numbers can go from 10 to 9 or 9 to 10 an unlimited number of times.
- If DP replaces a non-FLEX defensive player, the defensive player will still get to bat.
- DP and Flex can both play defense at the same time.
- Because the only position a Flex may replace on offense is the DP, DP and Flex cannot play offense simultaneously.
- DP, Flex, and Subs must all be in the exact location in the batting order.
Difference between FLEX and DP in Softball
There are a few major differences between FLEX and DP in Softball.
| FLEX | DP in Softball |
|---|---|
| The FLEX player can never be on “OFFENSE ONLY” | The DP can never be on “DEFENSE ONLY.” |
| The FLEX player can only bat or run in the same position as the original DP. As a result, neither the FLEX player nor the DP can ever be on offense at the same time. | When the FLEX player bats for the DP, the FLEX player plays in the original DP’s position. The DP is assumed to have exited the game. |
Various characteristics of DP in Softball
- It is not necessary to utilise a DP.
- It must be stated on the starting lineup if it is used.
- A team that uses the DP starts the game with ten players on the lineup card, but could wind up with nine or ten by the end of the game.
- Any of the other 9 players in the roster can play defense for the “STARTING DP.”
- If a player named in the first 9 batting spots in the order plays “defense” for the beginning DP, that player will bat in her original position in the lineup and will not leave the game.
- The player in the 10th spot in the lineup will solely play “defense” and will be referred to as a FLEX player. Both the DP and the FLEX player can play defense at the same time.
DP in Softball vs DP in Baseball
| DP in Softball | DP in Baseball |
|---|---|
| The DP in Softball stands for “Designated Player.” | The DP in Baseball stands for “Double Play.” |
| A DP in Softball is a player who remains listed in the batting lineup order from the beginning. | A DP in Baseball is a situation when a player is able to make two “outs” during the same match. |
FAQs on DP in Softball
Is there a DH in softball?
There is really no such thing as a designated hitter in fastpitch softball. Each association has its own rules, although the flex/designated player system is the most common. A designated hitter is a batter who bats in place of a player on the field. There can be ten players in a lineup.
In softball, what does SB stand for?
When a base-runner advance by collecting a base to which he is not entitled, this is known as stealing a base. This usually happens as a pitcher throws a pitch, but it can also occur while the pitcher is still in possession of the ball or trying a pick-off or when the catcher is returning the ball to the pitcher.
Can the FLEX run for the DP in Softball?
Yes the FLEX can run or bat, but the only condition is that it can do it only in the “original DP’s” position. Thus, in this given condition, you would never find the FLEX player and DP on the “offense position” simultaneously.
