Differences Between Baseball and Softball
What Are the Differences Between Softball and Baseball?
To newcomers, softball and baseball might seem similar at first glance - and in some ways, they are. However, there are some key differences between these sports that players, coaches and fans must understand. In this guide, we compare key aspects of these popular stick-and-ball sports. How long is a softball game? How big is a baseball? Bownet® has the answers to these questions and many more.
How Big Is a Softball Field?
The dimensions of softball and baseball fields are vastly different. For U14 baseball and up, the bases are 90 feet apart - in softball, they're 60 feet apart. The softball pitcher's area sits 43 feet from home plate compared to 60 feet, 6 inches for baseball.
Finally, in new Major League ballparks, the outfield fence must be at least 325 feet from home plate along the foul lines and 400 feet to dead center field. For adult softball, the minimum distances are 200 feet and 250 feet, respectively.
Baseball and Softball Sizes
A standard baseball is 9 inches in circumference with a white cover. Conversely, a fastpitch softball has a 12-inch circumference with an optic yellow cover. (Younger players use an 11-inch ball.) As its name suggests, a softball is also much softer than a baseball.
Softball and Baseball Bats
A baseball bat is typically longer and heavier than a softball bat. In both amateur baseball and softball, players can use metal or compositive bats. However, baseball players in pro leagues must use wooden bats.
How Many Innings in Softball and Baseball?
College and professional baseball games are nine innings long, while softball games are seven innings long. NCAA softball also has a "mercy rule" where a game ends if one team has at least an eight-run lead after five innings. Both sports use extra innings if there is a tie after regulation.
How Many Players in Softball and Baseball?
All levels of baseball have nine fielders: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. The same nine players bat unless the league allows a designated hitter to replace the pitcher. Softball adds a fourth outfielder for 10 fielders total, and teams can also add up to two players in the batting order.
Baseball and Softball Pitching
While a few baseball pitchers throw underhand, the vast majority throw overhand or sidearm, and most professionals can reach speeds over 90 mph. Softball rules require all pitchers to throw underhand, and top pitching speeds are typically 60-70 mph.
Other Differences
- Fielding masks are worn in softball but not baseball.
- Baseball players can take a lead off a base but not softball players.
- Baseball infields have grass while softball infields do not.
Is Softball or Baseball Harder?
While both sports are challenging, the science says softball is harder in several ways. ESPN Sport Science has demonstrated it is tougher to hit a softball since the shorter distance to home plate means the ball reaches the hitter faster. The smaller field dimensions also give fielders less reaction time.
Whichever sport you choose, Bownet will help you #TrainLikeAPro. Check out our large selection of baseball training equipment and softball practice gear today.