At first glance, baseball and softball may appear nearly identical. However, while there are probably more similarities than differences, the two sports have different rules regarding similar aspects of the games, including pitching, batting and running the bases. If you play both sports, have children in both sports, or especially if you officiate both sports, it helps to know the rules so you understand what makes them different.
Playing Field
The playing fields for baseball and softball are similar, but softball fields are smaller. The baselines in baseball form a square with 90-foot edges, while the baselines in softball range from 60 to 65 feet, depending on the age of the participants. Young baseball players often play on softball-sized diamonds.
The pitching rubber is 60 feet, 6 inches from the back tip of home plate for baseball and between 40 and 50 feet for softball. Also, the pitching rubber is elevated 10 inches above home plate for baseball.
Equipment
Baseball and softball players use the same type of equipment, but baseball players use a smaller ball than softball players. Baseballs are about 9 inches in circumference and weigh about 5 oz., while softballs are typically 12 inches in circumference and weigh between 6.25 and 7 oz. Additionally, baseball players can use bats up to 42 inches long with a 2.61-inch diameter, while softball players can use bats up to only 34 inches long with a 2.25-inch diameter.
Pitching Rules
While the objective for baseball and softball pitchers is the same, the rules for pitching are different. Most notably, softball pitchers must throw underhanded, while baseball pitchers are allowed to throw overhand, and most do. Softball pitchers must start their motion with both feet on the pitching rubber, while baseball pitchers can leave their glove-side foot off the rubber in both the wind-up and set starting positions.
Batting Rules
The general rules for baseball and softball batters are virtually identical. Batters must stand inside the batter's box, usually marked by chalk lines in the dirt. For each pitch, they have the option of letting the ball go or trying to hit it in play by swinging the bat or bunting. In both games, three strikes and the batter is out.
Baserunning Rules
Most of the base-running rules for baseball and softball are the same. Base runners are always out if a defensive player tags them with the ball. They must advance to the next base on ground balls hit in fair territory if they are on first base or if they are on second or third base and the bases behind them are occupied. In that case, a base runner is also out if a defensive player holding the ball touches the base to which she is running before she touches the base with any part of her body.
The most glaring difference between base running in baseball and softball involves leading off the bases. Baseball players are allowed to lead off first, second and third base before each pitch is thrown and can run to the next base at any time, but softball players cannot leave the base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Strike Zone
The size of home plate is the same for baseball and softball, so the horizontal strike zone is the same for both sports. However, according to Major League Baseball and the International Softball Federation, the vertical strike zone differs slightly. The baseball strike zone runs from between the batter's shoulders and waist on top to just below his knee cap on the bottom. The softball strike zone is slightly larger, running from the batter's armpits to the top of his knees.
Member Comments