Difference Between Softball and Baseball

Softball vs Baseball
 

Softball and Baseball are two sports that are popular and similar to some extent though, it is true that they show some differences as well. It is interesting to note that softball is a sport derived from the baseball, and this is primarily the reason why it shows similarities with baseball. Strictly speaking, there are some pronounced differences too between the two games. Softball has two forms; namely, fast-pitch softball and slow-pitch softball. Both these varieties show differences with the sport of baseball. Let us find out more about each in order to find out the differences between softball and baseball.

What is Baseball?

Baseball is a team sport. It is a bat and ball game between two teams, each having 9 players and played on a diamond shaped pitch. When it comes to the duration, baseball is played for the duration of 9 innings. The game of baseball should have 9 defensive players in the field. Baseball players use the ball of 9 inches in circumference. The bat used in baseball should not be longer than 42 inches, and it must be made of wood.

Pitching in baseball is throwing the ball towards the batsman. Once a ball is thrown the batsman has to hit it and start running around covering a full circle. Baseline is the path a runner has to take in order to reach a base safely. Baselines are to a length of 90 feet in baseball. The pitching distance in the case of baseball is 60 feet and 6 inches. The pitcher’s area is a raised sloping mound in the case of baseball.

In a baseball game, to score a point, the batter should first hit the ball. Once he hits it successfully, he must drop the bat and run to the first base without getting out. There are three bases in the diamond shaped baseball pitch. To cover all three bases you have to run around the pitch. However, a batter is not expected to cover all bases once. Getting safely to the first base is enough. The ball is considered dead when pitched illegally in baseball.

What is Softball?

Softball is also a team sport and is derived from the baseball. Softball is played on a smaller field. A Softball team also has 9 players. While baseball is played for 9 innings, softball is played for 7 innings. The game of softball should also have 9 defensive players in the field.

As far as the equipment is concerned there is some difference between softball and baseball. Softball players use the ball of 12 inches in circumference. In fact, a ball used in the sport of softball is less dense than the ball used in baseball. The bat used in softball should not be longer than 34 inches, and it should be made of aluminum. It is interesting to note that wood is also used occasionally in the making of the bat used in softball.

When it comes to baselines, baselines are to a length of 60 feet in softball. As a matter of fact both the sports differ from each other in terms of the pitching distance. An interesting fact about softball is that there is no constant pitching distance in the game of softball. It differs according to the level of the tournament or the competition. Then, the pitcher’s area is a flat circle in the case of softball.

In softball too in order to score the batter has to hit the ball and start running. He or she runs on a counterclock direction to cover all four bases. Once a batter covers all four bases that is recorded as one run. The team with the most runs wins. The two games differ when it comes to the manner of pitching such as delivery and illegal pitch. Quite different to baseball, the ball is considered live when it is pitched illegally in the case of softball.

What is the difference between Softball and Baseball?

Softball and baseball are both very popular ball games in the world.

Ball used in Softball vs Baseball:

Softball: Softball players use the ball of 12 inches in circumference.

Baseball: Baseball players use the ball of 9 inches in circumference.

Softball vs Baseball Bat:

Softball: The bat used in softball should not be longer than 34 inches, and it is usually made of aluminum.

Baseball: The bat used in baseball should not be longer than 42 inches, and it is made of wood.

Softball vs Baseball Innings:

Softball: Softball is played for 7 innings.

Baseball: Baseball is played for 9 innings.

Baselines:

Softball: Baselines are to a length of 60 feet in softball.

Baseball: Baselines are to a length of 90 feet in baseball.

Pitching Distance:

Softball: There is no set pitching distance in the case of softball. The pitching distance changes according to different game levels.

Baseball: The pitching distance in the case of baseball is 60 feet and 6 inches.

Pitcher’s Area:

Softball: In the case of Softball, the pitcher’s area is a flat circle.

Baseball: The pitcher’s area is a raised sloping mound in the case of baseball.

Pitching Rules:

Softball: The ball is considered live when it is pitched illegally in the case of softball.

Baseball: The ball is considered dead when pitched illegally in baseball.

Number of Players:

Softball: Softball has 9 players.

Baseball: Baseball has 9 players too.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Montgomery Biscuits minor league baseball by ErinNik (CC BY-SA 3.0)
2. Fastpitch pitcher Megan Gibson – softball by Stuart Seeger (CC BY 2.0)