Why does a baseball pitcher start on a mound higher than the batters box?

Question

Fast pitch softball pitchers start on a level plane from the batter. Why does a baseball pitcher have to be higher?

Answer 1

A higher mound gives the pitcher an advantage. After the 60s era of the pitcher they actually lowered the mound to reduce the edge pitchers had. In the late 90s there was serious consideration to raising the mound some more.

What the higher mound does is it adds a slight amount of velocity as you can use the mound to add momentum to your throw. It also adds a sharper angle to your pitches as well as giving you more room for specialty pitches.

The reason you don't see it in softball is that softball is meant to be a game of hitting. Since the pitcher is throwing underhand they gain nothing in velocity from a raised mound. Softballs are easier to hit but harder to hit farther. So again the edge for the pitcher is unecessary. Having a level mound also reduces risk of injury. So for most people who play softball this is a concern.

Answer 2

I have wondered about this one too. I have daughters in softball and a son in baseball and couldn't figure out why they couldn't use the same fields. Apparently, because of the way the ball is pitched for baseball (pitcher lunges forward and throws the ball overhand), the mound adds speed to the pitch. In softball the pitch is underhand (fast and slow pitch). A downhill slope would be awkward and in no way would help speed or aim.

Answer 3

well think about it this way, if you are pitchingfrom a high point to a down point that means that you are throwing down hill and there fore the ball goes faster. in most sports 3 of 10 sucks but if you hit 3of 10 balls in baseball you have a .300 batting average and if you hit that in the majors you are in the hall of fame for sure.

Answer 4

Better aim for the batter's head.