Softball is directly descended from baseball and thus contains many similarities, however there are several pronounced differences. The primary reason for these differences is that softball was originally intended to be played indoors.
The majority of differences between fastpitch and slowpitch is to give batters more dominance and make offense more important.
Table of Comparison
Points of Difference
| Rule or Term
| Baseball
| Fastpitch Softball
| Slowpitch Softball
|
| Equipment: Ball
| 9 inches in circumference
| 12 inches or 11 inches in circumference, less dense than a baseball
| often same as fastball, special 14 or 16 inch balls rarely used, less dense than a baseball
|
| Equipment: Bat
| no longer than 42 inches
| no longer than 34 inches
| no longer than 34 inches
|
| Field: Baselines
| 90 feet
| 60 feet
| 60 feet
|
| Field: Outfield Fence
| can vary distance from home plate
| constant distance from home plate
| constant distance from home plate
|
| Field: Pitcher's Position
| mound 60 feet, 6 inches from home
| no mound, 8 foot circle 40 feet (women) or 46 feet (men) from home plate
| no mound, 8-foot circle, 50? feet from home plate
|
| Number of Players
| nine
| nine (before 1946, ten)
| ten (either a rover or shortfielder, or a left center and right center fielder)
|
| Play: Length of Game
| 9 innings
| 7 innings
| 7 innings
|
| Play: Base Stealing
| allowed
| allowed
| not allowed
|
| Play: Bunting
| allowed
| allowed
| not allowed
|
| Play: First Base
| only one first base
| runner reaches safety base in foul territory, fielders make play at regular 1st base
| runner reaches safety base in foul territory, fielders make play at regular 1st base
|
| Play: Pitching
| any way, but usually overhand
| underhand, very fast
| underhand, must arc above batter's head
|
Last updated: 08-03-2005 07:32:10
