Double First Base
Also known as: double base, safety base, orange base at first, two color first base, colored base at first
A double first base is first base built in two pieces. Its white half sits in fair territory and its colored half sits in foul territory. On a play at first, the fielder takes the white piece and the batter-runner takes the colored one, so their feet stay apart. USA Softball uses it at first in all divisions of play.
Under USA Softball rules, the whole unit measures 15 by 30 inches, and both pieces stand the same height. A batted ball that hits or bounces over the white piece is fair; one that does the same on the colored part is foul.
When the defense makes a play on the batter-runner at first, the fielder must use the white piece and she must use the colored one. If she touches only the fielder's part and the defense appeals before she returns, she is out.
Exceptions apply. Either player may use either piece on a force play from the foul side of first. The same goes for an errant throw that pulls the fielder into foul ground. Once she has reached first, she may use either part, including when tagging up on a fly ball or returning on a pickoff. On a ball hit to the outfield with no play at first, she may touch either one.
A batter-runner who touches only the white piece and collides with a fielder about to catch a throw there is out for interference. Other rulebooks set their own double-base rules, so check the version your league uses.
Tips by skill level
On every ground ball, run through the colored piece. Spot it as you leave the box.
Fielders: when a throw pulls you into foul ground, either piece is yours. Baserunners: once you reach first, you may stand on either one, so pick the spot that sets up your next move.
Example
On a ground ball to shortstop, the first baseman stretches from the white piece while the hitter crosses the colored one beside it. Their feet never meet, and the umpire calls her safe.
Why it matters
It keeps the hitter and the first baseman apart on a close play. Bunts and slaps often create exactly that bang-bang finish. Stepping on the fielder's part there can give away an out on appeal.
Common mistakes
- Running to the fielder's piece on a play at first
- Thinking a player already on first must stay on the colored part
- Calling a ball foul that bounced over the white piece
- A fielder setting up on the hitter's part for a routine throw
Frequently asked questions
What is the orange base at first in softball?
It is the colored piece of a double first base. On a play at first, the batter-runner heads there and the fielder uses the white one.
Is it an out if the runner touches the white base?
It can be. Under USA Softball rules, a batter-runner who touches only the fielder's piece on a play at first is out on appeal. The defense must appeal before she gets back.
Can a runner on first stand on the orange part of the base?
Yes. Once she has reached first, either part is legal, including when tagging up or getting back on a pickoff.
Is a ball that hits the orange base fair or foul?
Foul. A batted ball that hits or bounces over the colored piece is foul; one that hits the white piece is fair.
Sources
Related terms
- Home-to-First TimeHome-to-first time is the stopwatch time from contact at home plate to the batter touching first base. It is a standard speed benchmark in scouting and recruiting.
- Speed to First BaseSpeed to first base is how quickly a batter gets from home to first. It is usually stopwatch-timed and used to judge bunt, slap, and infield-hit potential.
- Look-Back RuleThe look-back rule is a fast-pitch baserunning rule. Once the batter-runner reaches first base (or is put out) and the pitcher holds the ball inside the pitching circle. A runner who is off her base may stop once, then must go straight back to her base or straight on to the next one. A runner who stops and then hesitates, or who steps off a base after stopping on it, is out. The pitcher does not have to look at the runner; the duty is on the runner.
- First Baseman Bunt CoverageFirst baseman bunt coverage is the job of charging bunts toward the first-base line. The second baseman covers first base in her place.
- Slap HittingSlap hitting is a left-handed offensive technique where a fast runner moves through the batter's box toward the pitcher while making contact, converting their running start into a head-start toward first base.
Related guides & benchmarks
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