Softball and baseball often get lumped together as the men's and women's versions of practically the same sport. Some even see softball as a "softer" version of baseball. While many aspects of the game are similar, as softball was derived from baseball, many people are not aware of just how different the two games are. Both have characteristics that make the respective games challenging in their own ways. Here is a list of some of the differences that make both sports unique.
1. Pitching
Overhand and underhand are not the only differences between baseball pitches and fast pitch softball pitches. Baseball pitchers throw from a raised mound, so the ball comes in a downward motion towards the batters. On the other hand, softball pitches are hurled towards the plate more straight on but can rise or fall depending on how the pitcher snaps the ball. This makes hitting off the two different styles non-transferable. In fact, major league players have been known to struggle to hit off of elite softball pitchers. This video shows Jennie Finch striking out Albert Pujols.
2. Ball Size
A baseball has a 9.25 inch circumference while a softball has a 12 inch circumference. This is one reason that a softball field is smaller than a baseball field; a bigger ball is harder to hit further.
3. Field Size
A softball field has 200 to 220 feet fences and and 60 feet between each base. Baseball fields have fences ranging from 300 feet to 420 feet and 80 feet between each base. Though this may not seem like it would make a significant difference in how the game is played, it actually has an impact on many aspects of the game including lead offs, the frequency of double plays, and reaction time.
4. Lead-Offs
Because of the motion of pitchers and the smaller field size, softball defenders would be at a major disadvantage if base runners could lead off before the pitch is thrown as they do in baseball. Therefore, runners are not allowed to leave before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand and can be called out if they do so. This also makes picking off primarily the responsibility of the catcher in softball while in baseball, it is the job of the pitcher.
5. Double plays
While softball players still do perform double plays on a ground ball in the infield, they are much less frequent because the shorter distance between the bases means there is less time and the conditions have to be perfect to get both outs. On the other hand, in baseball, double plays are routine and expected whenever there's a runner on first and a hard infield ball is hit.
6. Reaction Time
In softball, fast runners can make it from home plate to first base in under three seconds. The fastest major league players have a home to first time of just under four seconds. This means softball infielders must put an emphasis on quick glove transitions and cannot take any extra steps when throwing the ball.
7. Slappers
The game of softball has a different type of hitter that does not exist in baseball. These hitters, called slappers, bat from the left hand side with a running start and attempt to get on base by putting the ball on the ground and out-running the play. Some slappers are also "power slappers," meaning they are capable of bunting or hitting short balls as well as sending line drives to the outfield. This added element keeps infielders on their toes, as they must be prepared for both bunts and line drives to the face.
8. Bats
Baseball and softball bats are different in several ways. Baseball bats are typically much heavier than softball bats. Most higher-level baseball leagues do not allow players to use bats ligher than -3. Softball doesn't have the same weight specifications, but elite players usually use bats ranging from -8 to -10. Additionally, softball bats tend to have a longer barrel than baseball bats.
9. Atmosphere
While baseball is more relaxed and low-key, in softball games, fans will hear constant cheering and chatter from the dugout. Baseball is also usually slower paced than softball considering the pitcher has to pay attention to the actions of base runners and will often spend time attempting to pick them off.
10. Professional Play
Major League Baseball (MLB) has 30 teams between the National League and American League and has been in existence for 140 years. On the other hand, National Pro Faspitch (NPF), the only professional women's softball league in the United States, was established in 2004 following the collapse of the of the Women's Professional Softball League in 2001. The NPF is a slowly growing organization, with two of its six teams, the Dallas Charge and the Scrap Yard Dawgs, added to the league in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
