At a distance, baseball and softball can seem like the same thing. However, each sport is unique, especially at the professional level where more rules and regulations are incorporated. If your child is exploring their options, understanding the primary differences will help them choose a sport. Here are several differences to keep in mind.

How Are Baseball and Softball Different?

1. Ball Size

The most noticeable difference between these sports is the size of the ball. Regulation softballs are larger—usually between 11.9 and 12.1 inches around. They also weigh between 6.2 and 7 ounces. 

Baseballs measure between 9 and 9.2 inches around and weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces. Let your child hold each ball. If they’re younger, gripping and throwing a baseball may be easier because they’re smaller. However, young kids will have an easier time hitting and catching a larger softball. 

2. Pitching Style

You’ll see in baseball that players pitch overhand and in softball that they pitch underhand. Baseball pitchers throw from a distance of 60 feet and can reach speeds over 90 mph. 

Softball pitchers throw from a distance of 43 feet and can throw at speeds over 60 mph. The technique is also different. Softball pitchers swing the ball around before releasing it to generate speed.

3. Field Size

There is 90 feet between each baseball base and 60 feet between each softball base. Also, in baseball, the outfield fence is 400 feet away at its farthest point, while it’s only 220 feet away in softball. The size difference is often attributed to the fact that softball was initially invented as an indoor sport, limiting the playing field size.

Looking for a comfortable place to practice baseball or softball in the Jupiter, FL, area? Line Drive Indoor Batting maintains an 8,000-square-foot facility with individual batting cages and pitching machines. They also offer team and 1-on-1 personalized training, including pitching lessons, hitting lessons, and sports camps. Call (561) 283-6614 to book a batting cage, and visit their website to learn more about their facilities. Connect on Facebook for more tips and insights.