Softball is an outdoor game that requires two teams to play against each other. These teams have batters and pitchers. A batter hits the ball from a pitcher of the opposing team, and the batter runs around bases to score a run. A softball game lasts for seven innings. An inning refers to the turns both teams have at batting, and it consists of two halves known as outs. The team that has the most run at the end of seven innings wins the game. In the event of a tie, there are extra innings till a winner emerges.
A softball game will be incomplete without scoring. You can record scores in a softball game using a scorebook. A scorebook is ideal for keeping track of the activities of a softball game as it unfolds. A softball scorebook has a cover, scoresheets, and a back cover. The scoresheet has designated spaces for different information such as player’s information, batting order, innings, the type of ball, and type of run. You can use a printed scoresheet to score a softball game. However, there are softball Scorebooks that are a compilation of sheets.
Using a scorebook has more advantages than using scoresheets. A scorebook is suitable for scoring multiple games because it is a compilation of scoresheets. A scorebook also helps monitor player’s performance over different games. There are different scorebooks in the market. Features to look out for before purchasing a softball scorebook include the number of fields, durability, number of scoresheets, size of the scoring box, size of the Scorebook, instructions, format, etc.
There are different fields necessary when scoring a softball game. Little league games require fewer fields than professional or high school softball. Fields a scorebook should include batters lineup, innings column, scoring box, player information column, etc. There should also be pages for taking notes and comparing player’s performance. It’s best to go for Scorebooks that allow scoring of more innings and have space for recording more batters.
Durability is another factor to consider before purchasing a softball scorebook. It is best to buy Scorebooks that have a hardcover and spiral binding. Durable Scorebooks can last for a tournament, and you can always go back to the Scorebook for references.
You can score two teams in a game to compare the team’s performance. Purchase Scorebooks that can score multiple games for both teams. The scoring box on a scoresheet should be large enough to contain information about the player’s actions.
Scorebooks with standard sizes have a large and clear print that makes scoring easy. Although larger Scorebooks have bigger scoreboxes, the Scorebooks are not portable. Beginner-friendly Scorebooks should have easy-to-follow instructions on how to score a softball game.
The format of a scorebook is also essential. Scorebooks can have side by side format or front and back format. Side by side format allows you to score two teams without having to turn pages. The front and back design enable the scoring of teams on different pages of a scoresheet. It’s easy to compare player’s performance across both teams with side-by-side format scorebooks.
There are different Scorebooks on the market. This article provides a review of the best 14 softball Scorebooks on the market. Do well to follow through.
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The Best Softball Scorebooks in 2021 are Reviewed Below
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Softball scorebooks are necessary when scoring a game. Below is a review of the best scorebooks. Kindly follow-through
1
Franklin Sports Softball Scorebook
The Franklin Sports Softball Scorebook has s simple design with easy-to-follow scoring directions. The Scorebook is beginner-friendly, and it is suitable for tracking batting, fielding, and pitching on one page. The Scorebook has a 16 batters lineup and a team roster page for 25 players. The Softball Scorebook has 50 sheets with front and back pages, and it is suitable for 25 games if it is for recording two teams. The Scorebook allows recordings for nine innings. The notebook has a spiral bind style, and it comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
Key Features:
- 16 person lineup
- Scoring directions
- Spiral notebook design
- Team roster page
- 50 sheets
- Nine innings
- Batting, pitching, and fielding tracking
- 90 day limited warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Franklin Sports
- Dimensions: 11 × 1 × 9 inches
- Weight: 0.25 lb.
Pros
- There is the availability of recording 16 players
- The scoring directions make the scorebook beginner-friendly
- The spiral notebook design gives the Scorebook a classy look with easy to turn over pages
- The team roster page can contain 25 players information and statistics
- There are 50 sheets for recording two teams in 25 games
- The book has options for track batting, pitching, and fielding
- There’s a 90-day limited warranty on the notebook
Cons
- The notebook has small boxes for recording
- The notebook can only record nine innings
- Some reviewers complain about the durability of the notebook
- The notebook suits little league games
2
Cramer Scorebook, C.S Peterson’s Super 16
The Cramer Scorebook is available in two options which are the standard and the super 16. The Scorebook is easy to use, and it allows a complete summary of player’s batting records and pitching performance. The book has a durable back cover with wire binding. The Cramer Scorebook is easy to use, and it has 48 double-sided score sheets for 24 games. The Scorebook allows for recording 11 batters, and there is space for marking balls and strikes. The standard Scorebook has room for 12 innings, while the super 16 has room for nine innings.
Key Features:
- Standard and Super 16 styles
- Durable back cover with wire binding
- 48 scoresheets
- 11 batters lineup
- Ball and strike options
- Nine innings
Specification:
- Brand: Cramer
- Dimensions: 12 × 8.5 × 0.3 inches
- Weight: 0.45 lb.
Pros
- There are two styles to suit users preferences
- The notebook is comprehensive and suitable for scoring adult games
- The notebook is easy to use and beginner-friendly
- The notebook allows a Summary of players batting records and pitching performance
- The notebook can record 24 games of two teams
- There is space for recording ball and strike
- The Cramer Scorebook allows the recording of 11 batters
- The standard option allows measuring 12 innings
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the durability of the Scorebook
- The boxes are tiny
3
Champro Softball Scorebook
Champro Softball Scorebook has heavy-duty cardstock backing and tear-off lineup sheets. The Scorebook has 52 pages and suitable for 26games for two teams. The lineup can accommodate 18 batters, and the book comes with instructions on how to score a game. A page can allow scoring for nine innings, and there is an extra innings page.
Key Features:
- White color
- 26 games
- 18 batters
- Instructions page
- Tear-off lineup sheet
- Heavy-duty cardstock backing
- Nine innings
- Extra innings page
Specification:
- Brand: Champro
- Dimensions: 24 × 31 × 1 inches
- Weight: 0.6 lb.
Pros
- The notebook can accommodate scoring two teams for 26 games
- A page can accommodate 18 batters
- The Scorebook is beginner-friendly. There is an instructions page for how to score a game.
- The notebook can accommodate nine innings, and there is an extra innings page.
- Suitable for counting pitches
Cons
- The notebook has a small and faint print
- Some reviewers complain about the durability of the Scorebook
- There is no player summary column to track player’s performance
4
BSN Softball Scorebook
The BSN Softball Scorebook is a comprehensive scorebook that monitors individual players’ and team performance. The Scorebook is beginner-friendly, and it allows easy scoring. The book is suitable for scoring 26 games. You can also record 18 batting positions and nine innings on a sheet. The BSN Scorebook is durable and comes with a one-year warranty.
Key Features:
- Batting average chart
- 26 games
- Team roster
- 18 batters
- Nine innings
- Season schedule
- season totals
- Pitcher statistics
Specification:
- Brand: BSN
- Dimensions: 11.3 × 9.3 × 0.4 inches
- Weight: 0.56 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can contain 26 games
- There is space to record 18 batters
- The book has a team schedule and season totals to track the team’s performance all season.
- There is also a batting average chart and pitcher’s statistics for monitoring player’s performance
- The book is durable
- The book comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
- The Scorebook can only accommodate nine innings
5
Rawlings System-17 Scorebook
The Rawlings System-17 Scorebook is a simple to use Scorebook. It can accommodate 24 games, nine innings, and 17 batting positions with space for two substitutes. The Scorebook is beginner-friendly and is suitable for any league or level of play. The System-17 Scorebook has a standard size and spiral bind. The cover of the Scorebook is colorful.
Key Features:
- 24 games
- Nine innings
- 17 batting positions and two substitutes
- Standard size
- Spiral binding
- Easy to learn the scoring system
- Colorful cover
Specification:
- Brand: Rawlings
- Dimensions: 11 × 8.5 × 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can accommodate 24 games
- There is enough space for recording 17 batters and two substitutes
- The System-17 Scorebook is beginner-friendly because it is easy to learn the scoring system
- Suitable for all leagues and level of play
- The front cover is colorful
- The book is large because it has a standard size
Cons
- It can only record nine innings
- Small print
- The Scorebook is not durable
6
Rawlings Deluxe System-17 Scorebook
The deluxe system-17 Scorebook is large. It has a large writing room, and it can accommodate 24 games with 17 players and two substitutes. The deluxe system-17 Scorebook offers a quick tally and pitch count. The book is durable, has s strong backing board, and is suitable for all levels of play. The scoring system is simple and beginner-friendly. The book is easy to read, has a spiral bind, and comes with an instruction page.
Key Features:
- 24 games
- 17 players and two substitutes
- Nine innings
- Large writing room
- Strong backing board
- Spiral binding
- Official quick tally
- Simple scoring system
- Instructions page
- Beginner-friendly
Specification:
- Brand: Rawlings
- Dimensions: 11 × 14 × 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.5 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can record 24 games
- There are ample spaces which provide a large writing room
- Suitable for recording 17 players and two substitutes
- The Backing board is solid and durable
- Official quick tally allows pitch count
- The book has an instructions page and a simple scoring system
- The Scorebook is beginner-friendly and easy to read
Cons
- The book is too big, not portable
7
Glover’s Scorebooks 9 to 15 Players Scorebook
This Scorebook is comprehensive. It can accommodate 30 games for 15 batters. The Scorebook comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and it has large scoring boxes and space for writing. Features of the book include sheets for individual statistics, pitch count, and player information. It also consists of a batting average chart and pitching statistics page. The Scorebook has a durable polycarbonate cover and spiral binding.
Key Features:
- 30 games
- 15 batters
- Instructions page
- Batting Average chart
- Pitch count
- Polycarbonate cover
- Spiral binding
- Pitching statistics page
- Player information sheet
- Large scoring boxes
- Writing space
- Individual statistics sheet
Specification:
- Brand: Glover’s scorebooks
- Dimensions: 14.5 × 11 × 1 inches
- Weight: 0.5 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can score 30 games with a line up of 15 batters
- The instructions are easy to follow, and they make scoring easy
- There is a chart for batting average, and it aids the monitoring of players performance
- The Scorebook is suitable for pitch counts
- The book is durable with the polycarbonate cover and spiral binding
- There is a player’s information page for collecting team players information
- There are large scoring boxes for easy scoring
- Writing space is available for jottings
- Individual statistics sheet makes it easy to monitor individual players performance.
Cons
- None
8
Covey Sports Softball Scorebook
The Covey Sports Softball Scorebook is a durable book with a laminate cover, thick backing, and durable plastic coils. The Scorebook is sturdy, and it allows you to score two teams side by side. The book can score 30 games with a lineup of 12 batters. The Covey Sports scorebook is available in 30-game and 100-game designs. The 100-game design has more pages and a more oversized print than the 30-game design.
Key Features:
- Side by side format
- Laminate cover
- Thick backing
- Plastic coils
- 30 games
- 12 batters
Specification:
- Brand: Covey Sports
- Dimensions: 14 × 10 × 0.35 inches
- Weight: 0.49 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook is large and can score 30 games
- There is a side-by-side format that allows scoring two teams on a page and comparing their performance.
- The Scorebook is durable because of its laminate cover, thick backing, and durable plastic coils.
- The book can score up to 12 batters
Cons
- The boxes are tiny
9
Barksdale Pitch Count Softball Scorebook
The Barksdale scorebook is suitable for pitch counts, and it can measure 24 games with 15 batters. The Scorebook measures eight innings, and it also has an extra three innings per score sheet. There is an instructions page on how to score and a batting average table. The Scorebook also has a player statistics page for measuring player’s performance, and a spiral bind holds the book.
Key Features:
- 15 batters
- Eight innings plus extra three innings per score sheet
- 24 games
- Instructions page
- Batting average table
- Player statistics sheet
- Spiral binding
Specification:
- Brand: Barksdale
- Dimensions: 14 × 11 × 0.3 inches
- Weight: 0.86 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can record scores for 24 games
- There are additional three innings should a game extend beyond eight innings.
- The Scorebook can score up to 15 batters.
- The instructions page contains easy-to-follow instructions on how to score games.
- There is a batting average table and player statistics page for tracking player’s performance.
- It is suitable for pitch counts.
- The spiral binding holds the Scorebook and improves its durability
Cons
- The Scorebook is only suitable for little league games
- Only ideal for pitch counts
10
Murray Sporting Goods Softball Scorebook
This Softball Scorebook has 71 scoresheets which can record 35 games for two teams. The Scorebook is comprehensive. It has a 16 player roster, season schedule, batting, and pitching statistics page. The Scorebook also has easy-to-follow instructions, can contain nine innings, and is suitable for all ages. The book has a one-page format and a spiral bind that makes it durable.
Key Features:
- Nine innings
- 71 scoresheets
- 16 player roster
- One page format
- Easy to follow scoring instructions
- Spiral binding
- Season schedule page
- Batting and pitching statistics page
Specification:
- Brand: Murray Sporting Goods
- Dimensions: 12 × 9 × 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.63 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook has 71 scoresheets. It is suitable for scoring two teams in 35 games.
- It can accommodate 16 players
- The spiral binding makes the Scorebook durable
- The Scorebook has a season schedule and batting and pitching statistics page for monitoring player’s performance.
- The Scorebook is suitable for all levels of play
Cons
- The Scorebook is not beginner-friendly. You need some knowledge of scoring to use the book.
- It can only accommodate nine innings
- The book has a one-page format
11
Perfect Strike Scorebooks with rules and scoring instructions
The perfect strike scorebook is durable, and it features a heavy front cover. The book has thick scoring sheets and a PVC spiral binding. There are 20 scoring sheets in front and back format, and the Scorebook can accommodate ten players for nine innings. The scoring boxes are enormous, and the Scorebook is easy to use.
Key Features:
- Heavy front cover
- 20 Thick scoring sheets
- Front and back scoring sheets
- PVC spiral binding
- Ten players
- Nine innings
- Big scoring boxes
Specification:
- Brand: Perfect Strike Scorebooks
- Dimensions: 11 × 8.5 × 0.25 inches
- Weight: 0.38 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook is durable because of the heavy front cover and PVC spiral binding.
- The scoring sheets are thick
- There are 20 pages with front and back format
- It is suitable for scoring two teams for 20 games
- The scoring boxes are large and allow easy scoring
- The Scorebook can accommodate ten players
Cons
- The Scorebook can only accommodate nine innings
12
SR Softball Scorebook
This Scorebook has easy scoring sheets that are beginner-friendly. The book is suitable for scoring 24 games and for 16 players. The batting average chart and pitch count tracking are ideal for monitoring player’s performance. The book also has a spiral binding for durability.
Key Features:
- 24 games
- 16 players
- Batting average chart
- Pitch count tracking
- Spiral binding
Specification:
- Brand: SR
- Dimensions: 12 × 9.25 × 0.5 inches
- Package Weight: 0.53 lbs.
Pros
- The sheets are easy to score and, therefore, beginner-friendly
- The Scorebook can score 24 games
- The book can accommodate 16 players
- The spiral binding improves the durability of the Scorebook
- The batting chart average and pitch count tracking makes monitoring players performance easy
Cons
- The Scorebook is only suitable for pitch counting.
13
Barkdale’s Softball by the Numbers Scorebook
This Scorebook has large dimensions and ear scoreboxes. The softball by the numbers Scorebook is suitable for score two teams across 25 games. This Scorebook can record 18 players with two substitutes. Features of the Scorebook include an extra heavy back and spiral binding for increased durability. Another feature is the easy-to-follow instructions sheet, an extra-innings sheet, and a batting average percentage table.
Key Features:
- Spiral binding
- Four perforated extra innings sheet
- Extra-heavy back
- 14 positions
- 25 games
- Clear scorebox
- Instructions sheet
- Batting average percentage table
Specification:
- Brand: Barksdale
- Dimensions: 12 × 14 inches
- Package Weight: 1.04 lbs.
Pros
- The book has an extra heavy back and spiral binding for durability
- There are four extra innings sheet to avoid using extra scoresheets for extended games
- The Scorebook is suitable for recording 25 games across two teams
- It can accommodate 14 batters with two substitutes
- The scorebox is clear and makes recording easy
- There is an instructions sheet on how to score in softball
- The Scorebook has a batting average percentage table that allows easy monitoring of player’s performance
Cons
- Due to its large size, the Scorebook is not portable.
14
Markwort Softball Scorebook
The Markwort Softball Scorebook is suitable for recording 18 players for ten innings. The Scorebook can accommodate 26 games, and it has pages for seasonal data and batting and fielding results.
Key Features:
- 26 games
- Seasonal data
- Batting and fielding results
- 18 players
- Ten innings
Specification:
- Brand: Markwort
- Dimensions: 11 × 8.7 × 0.3 inches
- Weight: 0.4 lbs.
Pros
- The Scorebook can score 26 games
- It has seasonal data and batting and fielding average sheets for monitoring player’s performance.
- The Scorebook is suitable for recording 18 players across ten innings
Cons
- The Scorebook does not have boxes for balls and strikes
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to buying guide questions that can influence your decision on purchasing softball Scorebooks. Kindly follow-through
How do you keep a softball scorebook?
Before you can score a softball scorebook, you have to understand the parameters on the Scorebook. There is a batters column on the left side of the page. This page contains batters lineup in the order of batting. Next to the batters’ names, you add their jersey numbers. The next column is the innings column, where you record innings and outs. When scoring, score down the innings column and use a new box for each batter. At the end of half-inning or third out, mark a diagonal line in the lower right-hand corner of the box. The first batting is a Leadoff. Indicate leadoff in the right boxes. You can score two teams during a game on different pages or the same page, depending on the format of the Scorebook.
There’s a column for player information on the scorebook page that allows you to record players Performance and achievements during a game. On the scoring sheet, there are boxes. These boxes are for making accurate notes about the game. There are five boxes at the top left corner of a scoring box, three on top and two below. The boxes above are for noting balls, while the boxes below are for recording strikes. You strike a mark in the ball or strike box, depending on the player’s actions.
There are annotations BB, HP, and SAC at the bottom left of the boxes, which mean base on balls, hit by pitch, and sacrifice. Circle the applicable one depending on how the batter reaches the base. There are inscriptions 1B, 2B, 3B, and HR at the top right corner of the box, which refer to single, double, and triple pitch and a home run. Circle the applicable one based on the player’s performance. Four dots show home, first base, second base, and third base at the center of the box. You connect the dots to indicate the number of bases a player touches. You connect two dots if the player touches one base, and you connect all dots if the player hits a home run.
At the bottom center of the box, there is a triangle. Fill in the jersey number of the player that scores. At the bottom right corner, there is space for recording an out. Fill in numbers 1, 2, or 3 depending on the out a player makes
How do you keep the Scorebook in Little League?
Keeping a Scorebook in little league Softball is the same as keeping a Scorebook across all leagues. In the batting column, write the names of players and their jersey numbers in the batting order. In the innings column, write the type of out a batter plays.
For balls and strikes, mark them in appropriate positions.
Circle any of BB, HP, or SAC depending on how a batter reaches the base. Also, for single, double, or triple pitches and a home run, circle the batter’s pitch and connect the dots to show the number of bases a player touches. You also have to record the out that a player makes. Write down 1B, 2B, or 3B depending on the player’s out.
How do you win at softball?
During a Softball game, record the scores in a scorebook. The team with the highest runs wins the game. To win softball, a player needs to work on their batting skills by practicing hitting drills.
How does a game of softball end?
Compare the scores of both teams after nine innings. The team with the most runs won the game. During a tie, the game continues with extra innings until a winner emerges.
How do you score the fielder’s choice?
When a batter hits a ball and reaches a base safely, but another baserunner is retired on that same play, a fielder’s choice occurs. You can score a fielder’s choice by drawing a line from home to first base and writing FC.
How many outs does it take to end an inning?
A complete inning has six outs, and each team has three outs. It takes three outs to end an inning.
What are the five rules of softball?
The rules of Softball cover player’s eligibility, team composition, equipment, ground rules, and game time and length. The rules include;
All players must be eligible for the level of play. Players should check in with the supervisor with their government-issued ID.
Eight players must be present to start a game. Teams can bat a maximum of 12 players. When ten players bat, the others are substitutes. A player may leave a game and return after their substitutes have played at least three defensive outs. A team may finish a game with at least eight players, except there is an injury.
Only closed toes one-piece shoes are allowed for the tournament. Also, players are to provide their balls, bat, and gloves, and this equipment must follow the tournament specifications.
A coin toss determines home and away teams.
A game will last for seven innings or 50 minutes, depending on whichever comes first.
Conclusion
Scorebooks are essential in keeping track of a softball event. Scorebooks should have clear scoreboxes, columns for innings and batting order, a player statistics page, and enough sheets for scoring two teams. This article is a review of the best softball Scorebooks in 2021.