The Designated Homerun Hitter (DHH)
- A team may tag exactly one batter in the lineup as the DHH before the game.
- Home runs hit by the DHH do not count toward the team's home run limit.
- If the DHH is walked, the team earns one free home run that does not count against the limit.
- That free home run is available only until the DHH comes back up to bat.
- If the DHH is substituted out of the game, the DHH tag is lost and cannot be reassigned.
Why the rule exists
Home run limits keep games competitive when one roster has significantly more power. The DHH lets a team feature its one big bat without immediately burning the team's allowance, while the walk-for-a-free-home-run mechanic discourages pitching around that hitter.
Home run limits in GSL play
Outside the DHH exception, GSL limits behave like other adult slow pitch rule sets: once a team exceeds its allowance, the batter is out and the inning typically ends. Read the home run limit and IEO guide for how that out is recorded.
Scoring the DHH correctly
Choose the GSL rule set in Dugout Hero and tag your DHH in the lineup. The scorer then tracks DHH home runs separately, banks the free home run when the DHH is walked, expires it when the DHH bats again, and drops the tag automatically if the DHH is subbed out. Every one of those moments shows up in the shareable game recap.
FAQ
What does DHH mean in GSL softball?
DHH stands for Designated Homerun Hitter. One batter can be tagged as the DHH, and their over-the-fence home runs do not count against the team's home run limit.
What happens if the DHH is walked?
Walking the DHH gives the team one free home run — an extra home run that does not count against the limit — usable until the DHH comes to bat again.
Does the DHH tag carry over if the player is substituted?
No. If the DHH is subbed out of the game, the tag is lost for the rest of the game and cannot be reassigned.
Summarized for convenience. Always defer to the current official GSL rulebook and your league's local supplements.