softball vs baseball; are these two sports different?
If you assume softball and baseball are the same, this article is coming at you. No, the size of the ball is not the only difference between softball and baseball. Yes, the fields and equipment of the games are different. If yes, you can keep reading this article.
Similarities Between Softball And Baseball
The fields and the equipment used in softball and baseball is very similar. Also, in terms of playing actions, there are many similarities. Both of the games involve throwing, pitching, fielding, batting, catching, and base running.
Softball Vs Baseball: Level Pitching Mound
There is a difference in pitching mounds when it comes to softball and baseball. The pitching mound in baseball is slightly elevated. So when someone pitches the ball in Softball, it takes a downward angle. The pitcher can easily keep the ball within the strike zone since the mound is level in softball.
In softball, the pitching mound makes it easier for the pitcher to keep the ball within the strike zone. There is another softball vs baseball difference – in softball, the players have to pitch the ball in an underhand style. In baseball, the player has to pitch the ball in a sidearm motion, and it is a sidearm motion.
Softball Vs Baseball: Shorter Base Lines
Yes, the ball size is wider in Softball, and the barrels of the bats are wider in softball. But softball includes shorter baselines compared to the traditional baseball diamond. Due to a shorter baseline, the infields are also shorter.
The pitching distances are also much shorter, and they affect how the defense is played on this. The baselines on softball are exactly 55 feet apart, and the pitcher has to throw for 35 feet.
Baseball is mostly popular among boys. On the contrary, girls play softball the most. But both games are equally fun and enjoyable to both boys and girls. Most adults love playing softball because the pitching arm stays at more rest when playing softball.
Boys and girls of different age groups have taken up softball because it is very enjoyable. But, that has not decreased the level of popularity of baseball.
Softball Vs Baseball: Ball Size
A very visible difference between softball and baseball is the size of the balls. The softball vs baseball weight itself is a noticeable and huge difference between the two of these games.
The softball is a larger one when compared in terms of the size and the circumference of the baseballs. The softballs have a huge circumference of around 12 inches, and they weigh around 7 ounces. But how much does a baseball weigh?
Baseball is lighter and smaller in comparison. They weigh around 5.25 ounces and have a circumference of around 9 inches.
Softball Vs Baseball: Bats
Yes, not only in the size of the balls or the baselines, baseball bats vs softball bats is another difference to consider when it comes to comparing the games. Softball bats have a wider barrel compared to baseball bats. Some of the softball leagues include limits on the types of bats players can use.
Is Softball Harder Than Baseball?
The baseball field is larger by 30 feet compared to softball. Both sports have their own types of challenges. However, both sports are challenging, although softball, as proven scientifically, is much more challenging compared to baseball.
How Many Innings In Softball?
Baseball and softball also differ in terms of the number of innings. While softball has 7 innings, baseball has 9 innings. This is also a big difference in the rules of the games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!
The sections cover the major differences between Baseball and softball. However, here are some popularly asked questions that you need to read.
Ans: Different personal opinions will say different things. However, according to National SAFE KIDS Campaign, there is the highest amount of fatality rate in Baseball. This sport requires much fewer safety equipment when compared to the likes of Football.
Ans: Boxing is the toughest or the hardest game to play. Football, basketball, hockey, and other sports also have some level of toughness. But Boxing takes more muscle and pain than most other sports making it one of the hardest sports to play.
Ans: Yes, Softball is for all of the players who love to play it. Although this game is branded as a female sport, even boys love to play Softball. Men also have a church, business, recreational, and amateur men who play softball. Boys aged between 7 to 16 have different divisions when it comes to playing softball.
Ans: Many of you might wonder why is softball yellow. The main reason for making the softballs yellow is to make them easily visible from a distance. Since the distance between the batter’s box and the pitching mound is shorter compared to baseball. The batter has a shorter time to respond to the ball. Since the ball is yellow in the color making, it is easier for them to respond.
Conclusion
Softball started as an indoor version of the baseball game. Both men and women can enjoy this game. There is no gender restriction for any of these two games. The only main difference between these games lies in the way the ball is pitched to the batter. I think reading this article has cleared that.
However, if you have any further questions regarding the same, you can ask questions in the comment. We will be sure to answer them.
Read Also:
