What are the major differences between softball and baseball?

I have a friend who wants to join a church team, and I've tried helping her, but I feel as though I'm leading her in the wrong direction because I've only played baseball and can't remeber all of the rules of softball... So just the basic differences please! Thanks!|||The above answers are good for sanctioned softball games, however, I have played church softball leagues and these leagues have different rules than those listed above.





The difference with church softball is usually they are co-ed teams. With that, there are NO home runs, unless it is an "inside the park HR." If you hit it over the fence, you're out. Also, they will shorten the pitches. Some have 2 pitch maximum or you start with a 2-1 (2 balls, 1 strike count). Usually a foul ball on strike 3 is an out. ALSO, if a male batter is walked, he gets 1st base, if a female is walked, she gets 2nd base.





the main difference as you can see, is equalizing the teams, making it fair and fun for all. Although there is a league and competition, fun has precedence over competition. So, if you're friend is wanting to improve her skills at softball, avoid the church league and other "recreational" leagues. Look for something competitive.|||Contrast:





1) The balls used to play in baseball are smaller than ones in softball.





2) Bases are smaller, as well as outfields





3) Pitching in softball is underhand, while in baseball, it's overhand.





That's about it... that I can think of atleast.|||Softball is better more fun and in softball you can slap hit and etc.


softball you pitch underhand, baseball you pitch over hand.


in softball from the pitcher to the catcher is 49 feet and from base to base is 60 feet.


and baseball I think its 60 feet not sure though(I dont like baseball really).


A softball is bigger and a baseball is little cause boys cant handle big ones!haha!!!!!!


Yes you can bunt ,wtf is dude talking about above me?


Yeah Softball is better!!!!!!!!


the dude that commented first is a hater!!!!


Also in softball alot of pitchers hit for them self and can actully hit homeruns and stuff, unlike baseball where they have to have to have another person hit for them.





YAY ARIZONA JUST WON THE WOMENS COLLEGE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!! =)|||The rules for fast-pitch softball are very similar to baseball except the bases are closer together and so is the pitching rubber. In slow-pitch softball there is no bunting, no stealing, a foul ball on the third strike is an out, some leagues limit the number of home runs a team can hit, there is usually four outfielders, the pitcher must pitch the ball so that it's maximum arc height is between the batters shoulder height and ten feet. This is not a complete breakdown of the rules, but it will give you a good idea of the differences.|||soft ball is on a much smaller field and pitched underhand. Long thin bats in softball adn they use metal at every level|||Well, Baseball is pitched overhand and softball is pitched underhand. In softball, the ball is nearly twice the size. The pitcher doen't hit in softball, there is a DP, similar to a designated hitter in the American League. The fields are usually much smaller and metal bats are always used.|||women play softball


men play baseball


thats a pretty big difference|||one bigger|||ok, well there are a lot of differences.





1. the pitching mound is closer in softball.





2. there isn't really a raised mound in softball like their is in baseball





3. a baseball is much smaller than a softball





4. in softball most teams use yellow balls in baseball they are white





5. the bases are closer in softball and the out feild is smaller





6. in softball you can't leave the base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand





7. softball pitchers pitch under hand and in baseball they pitch over hand.





8.you can slap hit in softball





9. softball players use metal bat and baseball players use wooden bats.





10. softball is cooler





for everybody who thinks that softball is easy to play you have apperantly never played the sport. softball players are extreamly athletic and could probably outplay most baseball player. i think softball players have quicker reaction because of the closness of the bases and they have to make very quick desicions.|||The biggest differance is the size of the ball, and the speed of the game. number of players.Three balls and two stikes.|||1. the size and density of the ball.


2. underhand pitching which allows softball pitchers to throw numerous games in a day due to the natural movement of the shoulder as opposed to the unnatural movement of a baseball pitcher.


3. the field dimensions which allow for almost zero miscues on ground balls


4. the amount of strikeouts in softball due to the mound being so close to home plate. (too close if you ask me)


5. the fact you can't leave a base until the pitcher releases the pitch. makes it difficult to steal





that's about it i guess. :)|||umm...baseball is a sport, and the other is a way for women to feel like they are actually good at sports.|||"anyone" can play softball..."athletes" play baseball