Baseball and softball are very similar. You win each sport when your team scores more runs than the opposing team. You score runs in both sports by crossing home plate after running from third base after previously running from home to first, second and third bases. Both sports feature pitcher vs. batter confrontations, walks after four balls, strikeouts after three strikes and three outs every half inning. The differences include the size of the balls and stadiums, how pitchers throw the ball and the games' length.
Balls
Baseballs are smaller and lighter than softballs so it easier to throw them at faster speeds. A baseball's circumference is 9 to 9.25 inches, and its weight is 5 to 5.25 oz., according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The softballs that are used in international fast-pitch competitions have a circumference of 12 inches and weigh 6.25 to 7 oz. Softballs with 14- and 16-inch circumferences are commonly used in slow-pitch recreational leagues. Gloves aren't needed to catch 16-inch softballs.
Stadiums
Baseball stadiums are larger. The average distance between home plate, where the batter hits the ball, to the left- and right-field poles is about 325 feet, and the distance from home to the center-field fence or wall is about 400 feet, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Inside the average softball stadium, home plate is about 200 feet from the left- and right-field walls and about 220 feet away from the center-field wall.
Infields
The bases are 90 feet apart in baseball. Consequently, you have to run 90 feet in baseball to get a single, 180 feet for a double, 270 feet for a triple and 360 feet for a home run. The bases are 60 feet apart in softball, but players also hit single, doubles, triples and home runs. The pitcher's mound is 60.5 feet from home plate in baseball, 46 feet apart in men's softball and 40 to 43 feet apart in women's softball.
Pitching
Baseballs are thrown with a natural overhand motion. Softballs are thrown underhand. The best Major League Baseball pitchers can throw baseballs 95 mph. Fast-pitch softball pitchers use a "windmill" motion that entails extending the pitching arm backward a few feet away from their body and then propelling the arm forward at a very fast pace. The best men's and women's pitchers can throw the ball up to 85 and 75 mph, respectively, according to Encyclopedia.com. Slow-pitch softball pitchers must arch the ball.
The Game
Each inning in baseball and softball consists of each team batting until the fielding team records three outs. The fielding team has nine players in the highest levels of competition at each sport--pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. However, baseball games are nine innings, while softball games are seven innings. More runs are scored in baseball games partly because softball hitters have less time to react to pitches thrown from 40 to 46 feet away and strike out more.
References
- Encyclopedia Britannica Macropedia Vol. 14; 2002
- Encyclopedia.com: Softball
- All Star Activities: Softball Positions
- "Why They Scratch Themselves: How to Understand Baseball"; John Hood; 1994
Member Comments