What are the major differences between baseball and softball?

Question

I need some major ones , thanks people =)

Answer 1

The ball size. A softball is I think double the size of a baseball. The size of the barrol of the bat. A baseball bat has a bigger barrol then a softball bat. The pitching styles. Baseball is overhand and softball is underhand.

Answer 2

the regulations for instantaneous-pitch softball are very comparable to baseball except the bases are closer mutually and so is the pitching rubber. In gradual-pitch softball there is not any bunting, no stealing, a foul ball on the 0.33 strike is an out, some leagues reduce the kind of homestead runs a crew can hit, there is mostly 4 outfielders, the pitcher ought to pitch the ball so as that this is optimal arc correct is between the batters shoulder correct and ten ft. this isn't an complete breakdown of the regulations, in spite of the indisputable fact that it promises you a sturdy idea of the transformations.

Answer 3

The size of the ball, the size of the field, the rules. In some versions of softball, there are 10 fielders. The bats are slimmer in softball (not bigger, as someone else said).

Answer 4

Rule or Term Baseball Fastpitch Softball Slowpitch Softball
Length of Game 9 innings (7 in the high school level and in Minor League/college doubleheaders) 7 innings (5 in certain college games) 7 innings (5 in certain college games)
Equipment
Ball 9 inches (23 cm) in circumference 12 or 11 inches (30 or 28 cm) in circumference, less dense than a baseball often same as fastpitch softball, special 14 or 16 inch (36 or 41 cm) balls rarely used, less dense than a baseball
Bat no longer than 42 inches (106 cm) no longer than 34 inches (86 cm) no longer than 34 inches (86 cm)
Field
Baselines 90 feet (27 m) 60 feet (18 m) Typically 60 feet (18 m) or 65 feet (20 m); longer distances in some levels
Double first base No Yes, all levels under ISF and ASA Allowed. Runner reaches safety base in foul territory, fielders make play at regular 1st base
Outfield fence can vary distance from home plate constant distance from home plate (maximum of 250ft) constant distance from home plate
Pitching distance 60 feet, 6 inches (18.5 m) Varies by level: 40 feet (12 m) (women's high school and amateur), 43 feet (13 m) (women's college and international) or 46 feet (14 m) (men) Varies, typically 46 feet (14 m)
Pitcher's mound Yes No, but 8 foot (2.5 m) circle marked around pitcher's plate No
Players
Defensive players in field nine nine (before 1946, ten) ten (either a rover or shortfielder, or a left center and right center fielder)
Extra player Designated hitter may bat in place of a defensive player (pitcher in some levels) and removes the defensive player from the game if the DH plays in the field. Designated player may bat in place of a defensive player and removes the defensive player from the game if the DP plays in the field. Extra player may bat in addition to all defensive players and may freely enter to play a defensive position. (Two extra players, one of each gender, allowed in some levels of co-recreational play.)
Batter
Bunting Allowed. Allowed. Not allowed; batter is out if contact made.
Foul ball with two strikes Batter is not out unless bunting. Batter is not out unless bunting. Batter is out.
Hit by pitch Awarded first base unless swing or no attempt made to avoid being hit. Awarded first base unless swing or attempt made to intentionally be hit. Not awarded first base.
Runner
Base stealing Allowed at any time the ball is live (i.e. when "Time" is not called). Allowed once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand; runners may not leave base if the pitcher has the ball within the circle. Generally not allowed.
Allowed when ball crosses edge of home plate or touches ground in some levels only.

Pitching
Delivery Any method; in practice, usually overhand. Underhand, no speed or arc restrictions. Underhand, must arc within certain height restrictions, generally above batter's head. A pitch with not enough arc ("flat") or, in some leagues, too much arc is illegal.
Illegal pitch Most infractions punished as a balk: the ball is dead, no change made to the count on the batter and all runners on base advance. With no runners on base, for some infractions, the pitch attempt is automatically a ball. The ball remains live. If the batter reaches base successfully and all runners advance, no penalty; otherwise, the play is negated, the pitch attempt is automatically a ball and runners advance one base. The ball remains live. If the batter does not swing, the pitch is automatically a ball.

Answer 5

Softball is pitched underhand or windmill while most baseballs are pitched in overhand or 3/4 deliveries

Answer 6

Bigger balls. Softball has bigger bats. Softball is a women olympic sport. Baseball is a men olympic sport.

Answer 7

The softball is much bigger than a baseball. and softball is underhand

Answer 8

The balls themselves. A baseball is smaller and harder, and a softball is larger and has some cushion to it.

Answer 9

well,
the way the ball is pitched
the distances between the bases
the distances between the pitcher's circle and the plate
the way there isn't a mound, there's a pitcher's circle
the size of the ball (of course)
the distance of the outfield

Answer 10

bigger ball shorter distance between home and the mound smaller fields