Softball and baseball are both bat-and-ball sports, but there are some key differences between the two.
Size of the Field and Equipment: Baseball is played on a larger field, with a diamond-shaped layout, and a smaller ball is used. Softball is played on a smaller field, with a rectangular layout, and a larger ball is used.
Pitching: In baseball, the pitcher throws the ball with a windmill motion and the ball is thrown faster. In softball, the pitcher throws the ball underhanded and the ball is thrown slower.
Length of the Game: Baseball games are generally longer than softball games. Baseball games have 9 innings while softball games have 7 innings.
Number of Players: Baseball teams have 9 players on the field at a time, while softball teams have 10 players on the field at a time.
Distance between bases: In baseball, the bases are 90 feet apart while in softball they are 60 feet apart.
Other differences include; the distance between the pitcher’s rubber and home plate (35 feet in softball, 60.5 feet in baseball) and the distance between home plate and the backstop (35 feet in softball, 95 feet in baseball).
In conclusion, Softball and baseball are both bat-and-ball sports, but they have distinct differences in terms of field size, equipment, pitching, game length, number of players, and distance between bases. Both sports require a unique set of skills, and both are fun and exciting to play and watch.