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Baseball & Softball

NOT THE SAME SPORT

How many times have you heard someone say "baseball and softball are basically the same sport?"  They are not. The equipment, field dimensions, pitching styles and even some of the rules are different, resulting in a different strategy and style of play. Here are some of the main differences.

Baseballs v. Softballs

baseball with ruler for measurements
softball optic yellow with ruler for measurements scale

Baseball

  • White color

  • 9" - 9.25" circumference

  • 2.86" - 2.94" diameter

  • 5 - 5.25 oz weight

Softball

  • Optic yellow color for higher visibility

  • 11" - 12" circumference

  • 3.5" - 3.8" diameter

  • 9 - 9.5 oz weight

    FUN FACT: Despite the name, softballs are not soft, just less dense than baseballs

FIELD DIMENSIONS

Baseball field diagram

Baseball Diamond

  • 60' 6" pitching distance (50-54" for 14u & 46' for 12u)

  • 90' base path (60' for 12u & may be modified during regular season for 14u)

  • Pitching from a 10" elevated mound

  • Outfield minimum 325' to foul poles

  • Outfield minimum 400' to center field

  • Grass infield

  • Single bag first base (*beginning with the 2027 season, a double-bag first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders)

softball field diagram

Softball Diamond

  • 43' pitching distance (40' for 12u & 35ft for 10u)

  • 60' base path

  • Pitching from a 10' diameter flat circle

  • ​Outfield 200-250'

  • All dirt infield

  • Double-bag first base

PITCHING

Baseball pitch overarm throw high-low movement

Baseball Pitching

  • Pitchers throw overhand

  • 60' 6" pitching distance (50-54" for 14u & 46' for 12u)

  • Pitch from a raised 10" mound

  • Baseball pitches typically travel on a high-to low path

Softball pitch underhand windmill motion down-up rising movement

Softball Pitching

  • Pitchers throw underhand in a "windmill" motion

  • Pitching distance is 43"

  • Pitched from a 10" diameter flat circle

  • Softball pitches typically move on a low-to-high path


    ​FUN FACT: While top softball pitchers average 65 - 75 mph, compared to an average 94 mph for top baseball players, because of the shorter pitch distance, a 70 mph softball pitch is roughly equivalent to a 100 mph baseball pitch in terms of reaction time

HOW TO EXPLAIN REACTION TIME TO DOUBTERS:

A batter's reaction time is based on the speed and distance of the pitch using the following calculation:

time (t) = 

  distance (d)
______________
 

   velocity (v)

​

MLB Baseball Pitch:

time =

    60.5 ft       

  146.67 ft/s (equivalent to 100 mph)

= 0.413 seconds reaction time

NCAA / Pro Softball Pitch 

time =

    43 ft       

  102.67 ft/s (equivalent to 70 mph)

= 0.419 seconds reaction time

Batting & Baserunning

Baseball can lead off before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand

Baseball

  • 90-foot basepaths (60' for 12u & may be modified during regular season for 14u)

  • Lead-offs permitted (after 12u) allows for more complex pitcher-runner strategy​

  • Single bag first base (*beginning with the 2027 season, a double-bag first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders)

Softball has no lead off and a double bag first base

Softball

  • 60-foot basepaths

  • No lead-offs (must wait for pitcher to release ball)

  • Emphasizes instant acceleration

  • Double-bag first base

Equipment (Bats, Helmets, Gloves, Cleats) 

Baseball helmet

Baseball

  • NOCSAE* approved batting helmet required

  • No faceguards required for fielding

  • Baseball cap

  • USA bats (developmental levels), USSSA bats (permitted in travel/competitive leagues), BBCOR or wood (high school)  wood (professional)

  • Baseball cleats are designed for high-intensity linear sprinting from home to first base

  • ​Metal cleats generally not permitted 12u but check your local league division rules

​

​

Softball visor

Softball

  • NOCSAE approved batting helmets with facemask/guard for high school & below

  • Face mask/guard for pitcher & infielders may be required

  • Clear eye shield permitted to be attached to batter's helmet and clear face shields are permitted for fielders

  • Sun visors are traditionally worn

  • Glove has larger pocket to accommodate larger ball

  • ASA or USA Softball certified bats

  • Softball cleats generally designed for female foot anatomy, & more lateral support for quick, tight space movement

  • No metal cleats for 12u, but check your local league division rules

*NOCSAE stands for National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment

Strategy & Game Play

Makena German being coached by U.S. Women's National Team pitcher Meggie Medlinger

Baseball

  • 9 innings

  • More emphasis on pitching rotation and bullpen

  • Bigger field favors power hitting, and pitcher velocity with emphasis on strikeouts, walks and home-runs, which are sometimes referred to as the "three true outcomes"
    (i.e., plate appearances that do not involve the defensive team putting the ball in play)

Softball coach

Softball

  • 7 innings

  • Strategic advantage to starting an ace pitcher

  • Compact field size results in quicker game pace

  • Softball's exit velocity is slower off the bat but shorter distances demand immediate responses

  • Slap hitting & bunts (placing ball strategically) emphasized over power hit to outfield

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