At the competitive level, baseball is a sport mainly played by men while softball is a sport predominantly made by women. While the game play is very similar, in terms of positions, innings and scoring, a number of rule differences between softball and baseball separate the two sports.
Equipment
A main rule difference between baseball and softball is the size of the ball used. Baseballs are white with red stitching, with a circumference between 9 and 9.5 inches around, and weighing between five and 5.25 oz., according to NCAA regulations. Softballs are larger than baseballs, measuring between 11.875 and 12.25 inches in circumference and weighing between 6.5 and 7 oz., per the NCAA. Softballs are also optic yellow in color with red stitches. Baseball bats are also wider than softball bats, with baseball bats having a barrel measuring 2 5/8 inches in diameter for metal bats and 2 3/4 inches in diameter for wooden bats; softball bats measure 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
Playing Field
The softball diamond is smaller than a baseball diamond in a number of different ways. The NCAA baseball rulebook mandates that bases be 90 feet from the next, with the four bases in a perfect square shape, while softball diamonds are 60-foot squares. Pitchers in baseball pitch off a 10-inch mound that has a pitching rubber in the center that is 60 feet, 6 inches from the plate, while softball pitchers pitch from an 8-foot pitching circle with a centralized rubber 40 feet from home plate. The outfield fences in NCAA baseball are at least 300 feet away, while softball fences must be at least 200 feet away.
Uniforms
The uniforms for baseball and softball players have to abide by different rules as well. Baseball players must wear matching caps, except for the catcher, while softball players may wear a cap, visor or choose not to wear one. Softball players are allowed to wear shorts, while baseball players must wear long pants and socks.
Game Play
Some minor differences are during game play, including when players can steal. Baseball players may steal at any point, with the risk of being picked off. Softball players may not leave the base to lead off or attempt a steal until the pitcher releases the ball. The strike zone is also slightly different, with baseball strike zones called from the chest to the knees while the softball strike zone measures from the armpit to the knees. A regulation baseball games runs nine innings, unless extra innings are needed to break a tie, while a regulation softball game lasts only seven innings.
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