Baseball vs softball: know the difference

Baseball and softball are two of the most popular bat-and-ball sports worldwide. They share many similarities – such as basic rules, equipment, and gameplay – not to mention an unmistakable style. To the untrained eye they may even look exactly the same. But there are some clear distinctions between both sports, not to mention some variations within the sports themselves.

Whether you’re a young athlete, a curious fan, or a parent choosing a sport for your child, understanding these differences can help you better appreciate both games. We’ve spoken to some of the influential figures within British baseball and softball to help us do just that.

The first place to start is how to pitch the ball to the batter, because that’s the key point of difference between the sports, as Chichester Falcons head coach David Morris explains, “The way that the pitcher throws the ball to the batter is completely different. In baseball it’s your traditional overarm throw, while in softball it’s underarm.” 

Baseball pitchers throw overarm or sidearm from a raised mound, using various grips and spins to deliver different types of pitches. In softball, pitchers use an underarm windmill motion from a flat circle, delivering the ball with both speed and precision. 

But when it comes to softball, there are even two variations on the game based on the style of pitch. As Luis Arrevillagas of the Manchester Softball League explains, “There’s slowpitch softball and fastpitch softball, which is exactly what it says on the tin. One is a slow underarm pitch, like in rounders. The fastpitch is also underarm, but you throw it as fast as you can towards the batter.” 

Despite the underarm motion, fast-pitch softball pitchers can achieve remarkable speeds, with the elite flinging the ball at over 70 mph.

One of the most noticeable differences between baseball and softball is the size of the playing field. Baseball fields are larger, with bases 90 feet apart and a pitching distance of 60 feet and 6 inches. In contrast, softball fields are more compact, with bases 60 feet apart and a pitching distance of 43 feet (in fast-pitch formats), and even shorter in slow-pitch versions. 

The balls used in each sport differ as well. A baseball is smaller and harder, measuring roughly 9 inches in circumference. A softball is larger – typically about 12 inches – and has a softer texture, thus the name. But, as we outline in our article on the sport’s urban myths, don’t let that fool you. While softballs are softer than baseballs, as anyone who’s taken one to the face or chest will know, they certainly aren’t soft. “A baseball is slightly smaller than a cricket ball,” adds David. “And softballs are as big as a grapefruit. That’s the most visual difference.”

And as for the bats? In softball they tend to be shorter and lighter than those used in baseball, making them easier to handle for different levels of players.

While both sports share the goal of scoring runs, the pace and strategy can vary. Baseball games typically consist of nine innings, while most softball matches are seven innings. The shorter field and faster tempo of softball encourage more aggressive tactics, including bunts, base stealing, and hit-and-run plays. Baseball, with its longer innings and larger field, often involves more strategic pacing and tactical play.

And, as David explains, there is a slight variation on the number of players on each team. “In baseball and fastpitch softball, there’s nine on each team. But in slowpitch softball there’s an extra player, so 10 on each side.” This additional player becomes a fourth outfielder usually known as a “rover”.

While baseball does have male and female teams, softball is renowned for its focus on mixed gender teams and wider age ranges. “Softball is overwhelmingly mixed,” says David. “With co-ed sports, everyone tends to play a little nicer. If you put a bunch of guys with a bunch of girls, they’re going to be a bit nicer to each other. Everyone watches their language a bit better and all get along. It’s not like football!”

In the UK, both sports are growing in popularity, with a marginal difference between the two. According to BaseballSoftballUK’s latest figures,  baseball has around 8,000 active players in the country, with softball enjoying a little more with over 10,000 participants. Softball is especially popular in mixed-gender and recreational formats, with the inclusive and accessible nature of softball having contributed to its steady rise in popularity, particularly in schools and local clubs.