What is the Difference Between Softball and Baseball?

Baseball and softball are broadly very similar sports; both play on diamonds, both have bases, both employ similar scoring methods and both use similar equipment. However, if you look closely, you notice some differences.

The equipment

The most obvious difference between baseball and softball is the size of the ball itself. Baseballs are nine inches in circumference, and they are quite dense. Softballs, on the other hand, are eleven or twelve inches around, and are less dense, from which characteristic they derive their name. The bats allowed in baseball must not exceed 42 inches in length, and at the professional level are made of wood. In softball, though, bats are no longer than 34 inches and are often made of aluminum or composite material.

The players

In regulation baseball, teams have nine players on the field at a time: six in the infield, and three in the outfield. By comparison, slowpitch softball generally has ten players on the field. The same six play infield, but the outfield has a left and right center fielder or a shortfielder to handle medium length hits. Fast-pitch softball, like baseball, has nine players on the field at a time.

The field

The fields in softball and baseball are superficially similar, but they differ in many important ways. First of all, the distance from home plate to the fence varies on a baseball field but is constant on a softball field. Also, baseball has 90-foot base paths, 30 feet longer than those on a softball field. Baseball's pitching distance is also longer. In softball, the distance from the pitcher to home plate is about 46 feet, but it is 60 feet in baseball.

Pitching

One big difference between softball and baseball is the pitching style. Softballs are pitched underhand. In fastpitch softball, there are no restrictions on the arc or speed of the ball; however, slowpitch softball requires that the ball travel in an arc at a certain height. Baseball has no restrictions on speed, and theoretically, pitchers can throw the ball overhand, underhand or side-hand if they like. Most, however, throw overhand.

These are some of the major differences between softball and baseball. However, if you look at the rule book with a gimlet eye, you are certain to find a number of others.