Difference between Softball and Baseball
If you think about ball games, baseball and softball are amongst the most popular ball games that you may have in mind. To know the difference between the two ball games let us define softball and baseball. Baseball is the game played by two teams using a ball and bat. Each team consists of 9 players. To score, the thrown ball must be hit using a bat. Your teammate needs to touch sequence of 4 bases positioned at the sides of a diamond or 90 foot square. Softball on the other hand, is also a team sport, which is considered as a direct descendant of baseball. However, softballs are much larger than baseballs and pitches are thrown underhand instead of overhand. It is played in a smaller diamond than is true for baseball.
Playing Field
The softball and baseball playing field differs in size in some area. Below are some of its differences on the following positions:
Infield
- in Softball it is the area of a field in equal territory that includes a section that is usually covered by infielder. In baseball, infield is located in the dirt surface area. The infield is the square known as the diamond that has 4 white bases on located on each corner.
Outfield
- in softball it is the area of a field away from the infield or diamond. The fielder and beyond the batsman occupy this space. The outfield in baseball is usually covered with grass. Each base is 5-sided rubber slab known as home plate. In the normal baseball field each base are 90 feet (27.4 meters) apart.
Foul Lines
- in softball the 1st and 3rd base line, which distinguishes equal territory from four territories is called foul lines. In baseball, the foul pole is intended to assist umpire judge in deciding whether the fly ball which hit the fence border above is fair or foul. The foul lines are vertical extension poles.
Fair Territory
- in softball, it is the area within the playing fields and include the 1st and 3rd base foul lines starting in home plate beyond playing field fences which are perpendicularly upward. In baseball, the fair territory includes the ground between the two long white lines. It is either confusing or amusing that the lines are officially called the foul lines and poles are called foul poles.
Batter Box
- in softball, it is the box marked with chalk close to home plate, which the batter should remain within while battling. In baseball, it is drawn in white chalk, it is the area surrounding the home plate where the batter stands. It should be 6 foot rectangles and must be six inches away from the home plate.
Bases
- in softball, home plates are bases in every corner within the diamond . Each base are canvas of fifteen inches square, of or the same material, and should not be more than five inches in thick. Each base is tagged counter clockwise as 1st, 2nd and 3rd base.
Foul Poles
- in softball and baseball, it is positioned at the end of every foul line to differentiate foul territory from fair territory.
Pitcher's Mound
- located at the center of the diamond it is the area from where the pitcher throws the ball.
Similarities and Differences
In conclusion, softball and baseball are popular ball games that are being enjoyed by ball enthusiasts worldwide. Even children enjoy playing the game because of the satisfaction that they get from it. There are some differences in the playing field, but the idea of sportsmanship and teamwork is the main attraction in playing these games. There is no competition between the two ball games. These two games are somewhat related to each other.
