What Makes Softball And Baseball Different?

Baseball and softball are sports that are very much enjoyed by both adults and children. If you’re looking to know more about the sport particularly on baseball and softball bats, www.thebatnerds.com will provide you with numerous reviews and buying guides that will definitely help you find the right and best baseball or softball bat.

Baseball and Softball – How are They Different

Although baseball and softball may look similar, any baseball player or softball player would say that they are entirely different. Yes, baseball and softball have balls, bats, innings, home runs, strikes, and outs. But there are a number of noticeable dissimilarities in baseball and softball which makes them unique. Let’s have a look at a few things that make these sports different from each other.

• Dimensions of the Field. One of the most visible difference of baseball and softball is the dimension of the field. In each sport’s highest level, the distance of the bases in baseball is 90 feet, whereas in softball it is 60 feet. Softball’s outfield fence averages at about 220ft away from the Homeplate whereas the in most baseball field, the furthest point is approximately 400ft or more. The field’s size increase is because of various factors which includes ability of the baseball to travel much faster as well as further because of its wound core that is much tighter. The size of the fields actually affects the gameplay and the strategies used; however, the overall aim of each sport is the same.
• Pitcher’s Mound and Pitcher’s Circle. In baseball, pitchers pitch from a sloped mound with the rubber 6ft 6in from the home plate. A standard baseball pitcher’s mound is 10in. above the field. In softball, the pitcher throws on a flat ground within a circle with the rubber exactly at 43ft from the home plate. The difference in the distance requires diverse pitching styles. Baseball pitchers do an overhand pitch whereas softball pitchers do an underhand pitch.
• Ball Color and Size. In baseball, the ball is white and has red seams while softball is yellow for it to be seen easier since it is thrown from a shorter distance. A fastpitch softballs has a 12in. circumference, and a baseball has a 9in. circumference. As the weight and the size of the balls are different, the way it is pitched, thrown, and carried would differ as well.
• Bat Weight and Size. At the highest level, a bat used in baseball has a barrel diameter of about 2 5/8 inches whereas an average fastpitch softball bat has a 2 ¼ inches barrel diameter. The weight drop on a bat for fastpitch softball varies from -8 to -11, whereas the standard baseball bat for adults should have a weight drop of -3. The size of the barrel as well as the weight drop of these bats are essential and sport specific for the hitter to have a fair shot at the Homeplate. Check out www.thebatnerds.com to learn more about these bats.