What is the difference between baseball and softball? While baseball and softball are very similar sports, there are some big differences that set them apart. In this article we will go over some of the major differences.
Distances
The bases: One of the most noticeable differences is the distance between the bases. At the professional level of baseball, the bases are exactly 90 feet apart. The length between bases in softball is 60 feet.
Pitching: Another big difference between baseball and softball is the distance between the pitcher’s plate (often referred to as the rubber) and home plate.
In baseball, the pitcher delivers the ball from a raised mound that measures 18 feet in diameter. The top of the pitcher’s plate is 10 inches above the elevation of home plate. The distance between the pitcher’s plate and home plate is 60 feet and 6 inches.
In softball, the pitcher delivers the ball from a flat pitching circle that measures 16 feet in diameter. The pitcher’s plate is at the same elevation as home plate. The distance between the pitcher’s plate and home plate is 43 feet.
Home Run Fences: The minimum distance from home plate to the nearest fence in baseball is 325 feet down the left and right field foul lines, and a minimum of 400 feet to the center field fence (As of 1958). While the distances are minimums, there is no maximum distance. Baseball clubs that have focused their attention on obtaining a great pitching staff will often have fences further away from home plate. The longest center field fence currently resides at Houston’s Minute Maid Park at 435 feet.
In softball, the minimum distance to center field with a 4 foot high fence is 230 feet and a maximum of 235 feet. The minimum distance down the left and right field lines is 210 feet. For a 6 foot high fence, the minimum distance is 220 feet with a maximum of 235 feet, and 190 feet down the left and right field foul lines.
Bats
While both baseball and softball use bats, there are some big differences in the rules that regulate the sizes you can use.
The maximum length of a baseball bat is 42 inches. The maximum diameter at the bats thickest spot cannot exceed 2.75 inches in diameter. Most hitters on a professional level will typically use a bat around 34-36 ounces in weight. Although you can use a heavier bat, it is very difficult to get around on pitches that are thrown at 100 mph or more.
The maximum length for a softball bat is 34 inches. The maximum diameter for a softball bat is 2.25 inches at its thickest spot. The “drop” of a bat is the difference between the length and weight. If a bat is 30 inches long and the weight is 20 ounces, the bat would have a -10 drop. In softball the maximum drop is -12, while high school baseball and up is generally -3.
Balls
Another big difference between baseball and softball is the size and color of the balls.
The maximum size of a baseball is 9-9.25 inches in circumference. The maximum weight of a baseball is 5-5.25 ounces. A baseball is always white with red stitched threads. A baseball is much more dense than a softball.
You can check out this article: What a baseball is made of, for an in depth explanation of the manufacturing process.
In softball, a much larger ball is used, measuring 12 inches in circumference for slow pitch and 11 inches for fast pitch. The 11 inch ball weighs in at 5 7/8-6 1/8 ounces, while the 12 inch ball weighs 6 1/4-7 ounces. Softballs are usually yellow in color. Depending on the league, a white, 10 inch ball is often used in the younger divisions.
Before we move on, let’s make one thing perfectly clear: Softballs Are Not Soft!
Innings and Ties
Innings
Another difference between baseball and softball is the number of innings in a regulation game.
A regulation baseball game is officially complete when one team has the lead after 9 completed innings.
A regulation softball game is officially complete when one team has the lead after 7 completed innings.
Ties
While both sports are similar in the fact that there are no ties in either, there is one big difference.
In baseball, if the score is tied after 9 completed innings, the game will continue indefinitely until one team has the lead after the final completed inning.
Also see Simple Baseball Rules for more info.
In softball, while the approach is similar, in that there is always a winner, there is an additional twist that does not exist in baseball. If the score is tied at the beginning of the eighth inning, the offensive team will start the inning with a runner on second base. This runner will be the hitter who is scheduled to bat ninth in that inning. The hitter who is scheduled to bat ninth will be automatically placed on second base at the beginning of each inning until one team wins. This rule can vary in different leagues.
Mercy Rule
The mercy rule is a rule that is put into place to end a game early if one team has what is considered to be an insurmountable lead.
While both sports have mercy rule, Major League Baseball has no such rule. In the Majors, a team can theoretically score an unlimited amount of runs during their offensive half of the inning. In the World Baseball Classic, the mercy rule applies when one team has a 10 run lead after 7 innings. Little League Baseball games are ended when one team has a 10 run lead after 4 innings.
In softball, the mercy rule is invoked if one team is ahead by 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings and 7 runs after 5 innings. In slow pitch, the game is generally ended if one team has a 20 run lead after 4 innings and 15 runs after 5 innings.
Stealing Bases
One more difference between baseball and softball is how and when a runner is allowed to attempt to steal a base.
In baseball, a runner is allowed to take a lead-off from any base when the umpire has declared play to be live. The runner can stray from the base as far as they want in an effort to try and steal the next base. If the runner is tagged with the ball before they reach the next base, or before they can get back to the base they were already on, they are out.
In softball, the same rules apply. The difference is that the runner cannot take their lead-off until after the ball has left the pitchers hand.
Pitching Style
One last major difference that is easily noticeable is how the pitcher delivers the ball.
In baseball, the pitcher delivers the ball with an overhand or sidearm motion.
In softball, the pitcher delivers the ball in an underhand motion.
Similar but Different
While baseball and softball are played in a very similar way, as you can see, there are some very big differences. I hope this article has answered most of your questions about “what are the differences between baseball and softball?” If you have any further questions or something you would like to share, please leave a comment below or visit Ask Jeremy, and I will get right back with you. Thanks for reading. ~Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
I had no idea that there were so many differences between baseball and softball. I just thought softball was just that, playing the game with a softer ball (lol). I did however notice that the pitching styles were different but I gotta say, this post is an eye opener. Now I know better and I am sure I can impress a friend or two with this new knowledge. Thank you.
Hey Vanessa! It seems to be a common misunderstanding about a softball being soft. I still cannot understand why they decided to call it “softball”. You are now fully armed with the differences, so impress away (lol). Thanks for stopping by. ~Jeremy
Nice site a lot of great information.
Thank you Amanda! Thanks for dropping in and stop by any time. ~Jeremy
Hi Jeremy!
I always have this question on my mind, since I’m not familiar with both baseball and softball.
I thought the it’ll sounds complicated, but your post is very clear and easy to understand about the differences.
I look forward to learn more about baseball from your site.
Hi Sylvia! I’m glad the article was able to clear up some of the confusion. I know how complicated the rules can be and they are changing all the time, especially in softball. If you ever need anything cleared up, stop back in and I will be happy to help. ~Jeremy
Hey Jeremy – I knew there were differences between baseball and softball but didn’t realise there were that many! Thanks for posting, very informative.
No problem Nate! Thanks for stopping by and come back anytime. ~Jeremy
Hi Jeremy, there certainly is a lot of difference between the two games, even though they both appear to be the same type of game.
Great explanation.
Lis.
Hey Lis! There are definitely tons of differences. On the other hand, they are played very similarly. Thanks for stopping by and if you ever need a hand with anything, let me know. ~Jeremy
Oh wow, thanks for clearing that up! I always thought that it was pretty much the same thing but different name.
You’re most welcome Mel! A lot of people think along those same lines. Once you take a closer look, the differences are pretty numerous. Thanks for dropping by. ~Jeremy
Hi Jeremy,
I never knew they are so distinctive to the point of bats that are used. Thanks for sharing this.
Very nice page you made it so easy to understand. Nice theme. I used to play softball when I was in high school during intramurals and that was quite a long time ago. Nice to refresh again about it and how it differs with baseball.
This information helps further understanding between baseball and softball.
Awesome Corinna!
I’m glad you enjoyed the article and I hope you found everything you were looking for.
Although the 2 games appear similar, when you take a closer look, the differences between baseball and softball are quite numerous.
Let me know if you need a hand with anything and have a great day 🙂
Thanks for stopping by ~Jeremy