Learning Softball

Karinna has really been enjoying this season in girl's 10 and under softball. Her league has umpires to call balls and strikes. Base runners can steal bases and need to slide for close plays. Infielders need to have high situational awareness - they have different responsibilities depending on the baserunners, number of outs and where the ball is hit.

She's a highly inquisitive person and as she learns the game, I find myself answering questions I haven't thought about for a long time. Here's a sample:

"Why does the umpire talk funny?". (He says "STEE-riiiiiike!!" instead of "strike"

"If the pitcher bounces the ball and it rolls over my foot, do I get to go to first base?"

"Can you get more than 1 out in one play?"

"Why is it ok for the umpire to call more strikes on my teammate just because he doesn't like her daddy?"