Baseball vs Softball: What Are the Differences?
Baseball and softball both use a bat, a ball and gloves, and the aim is the same: score more runs than the other team. But the two games are not interchangeable, and anyone who steps onto a softball diamond expecting baseball rules will notice the differences quickly. Here is how they compare.
Baseball vs Softball at a Glance
| Baseball | Softball (fastpitch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Base distance | 90 ft (27.4 m) | 60 ft (18.3 m) |
| Pitching distance | 60 ft 6 in (18.4 m) | 43 ft (13.1 m) for women's fastpitch |
| Ball circumference | 9 to 9.25 in (22.9 to 23.5 cm) | 11 to 12 in (28 to 30.5 cm) |
| Pitching style | Overhand | Underarm |
| Bat barrel | Up to 2.75 in (70 mm) | Up to 2.25 in (57 mm) |
| Game length | 9 innings | 7 innings |
| Outfield fence | Roughly 120 m (about 400 ft) to centre field in a major-league park | Roughly 67 to 70 m (220 to 230 ft) |
The Field
A baseball diamond has 90 ft (27.4 m) between bases, while a softball diamond has 60 ft (18.3 m). The outfield is also much shorter in softball, so the whole game is played in a tighter space and fielders have less time to react.
The Ball
Despite the name, a softball is not soft. It is larger than a baseball, around 12 in (30.5 cm) around, and is easier to see but still hard to hit well. A baseball is smaller, about 9 in (23 cm) around, and travels faster off the bat.
The Bat
Softball bats usually have a thinner barrel than baseball bats, which helps batters make clean contact with the bigger ball. Bats are chosen by length, weight and league rules, so check your league's approved list before you buy.
Pitching
Baseball pitchers throw overhand from a raised mound 60 ft 6 in (18.4 m) from the plate. Softball pitchers throw underarm from a flat circle 43 ft (13.1 m) away in women's fastpitch. The shorter distance means a softball pitch arrives with very little time to react, even though the ball speed is lower than in baseball.
Game Length and Style
Baseball is played over nine innings and softball over seven. Softball also tends to have more bunting and base stealing because the bases are close together, while baseball leans more on power hitting and long throws.
Is Softball Harder Than Baseball?
Neither is simply harder. Baseball asks players to track a smaller, faster ball from a longer distance and cover more ground. Softball asks for very quick reactions and sharp fielding in a smaller space. Both reward good hand-eye coordination, a strong arm and plenty of practice.
Which Should You Play?
If you are starting out, choose whichever your local club or school offers. Most Australian clubs run both, and many of the skills carry across from one to the other.
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