What is the difference between Softball and Slow Pitch?

I joined a slow pitch league, and I realized it is a funky version of softball. What are the deminsions of the field? Are they as wide as a baseball field, or smaller like a softball field. Any other differences? Are there stealing bases?|||I suggest that you get a copy (it's free) of the official A.S.A. Rule Book. It is easy to understand. You could get it directly from A.S.A. in Oklahoma City, OK. Or, you could get one by contacting the Softball Department of your communities' Recreation %26amp; Parks Department. Good Luck.|||The field is the same as a fast pitch softball field, except for the pitcher's mound...i believe the bases are 60ft? Don't quote me on that...it's been a while. You can't steal bases..but the pitching count is somewhat different. You go up to bat with a 1-1 count. Also, if a man walks, he gets two bases and the woman behind in order can take the base or hit (their choice)...there are also home run limits in slow pitch, depending on the league. ENJOY! it's a heck of a lot of fun :-)|||Actually, Fast-pitch is the "funky" version of Slow-pitch!





FP was developed from the SP game. SP softball is still the most played amateur sport in the US. Most SP is recreational, but some leagues/teams get VERY serious! There are many National championship venues, and lots of money spent. It can be fun, but give me fast-pitch any day! That is my favorite.





Field dimensions are the same for both FP, and SP. There is no "mound" in either game. Pitching distances vary from 38' for womens 16", to 53' for mens major division.





Some divisions do allow base stealing after the ball reaches the plate. On the 60' bases it is still possible to have some "close ones".





There are some which use homerun limits, some do not. There is co-ed ball with rules such as even number of men/women on the field, a man draws a walk, he goes to second base. This discourages walking a man to get to a weaker female hitter, but some leagues adopt a ruling that all get two bases on a walk.





The 16" game is played with a ball the size of a grapefruit, and can be quite fun.





Some of the industrial level mens games get real intense, and a lot of action can take place on the smaller field.





Some slow pitch starts the batter with a 1-1 count, but not all does. There are some that play a "one-pitch" count. You get one pitch, you either walk, hit, or KO but you only get ONE chance. Those games move fast, and allow for a lot of participation.





Bottom line is, there are all sorts of variations in softball. But when you factor in youth leagues, there are in baseball as well.





Pick what you enjoy and have fun!





Just don't give us umpires a hard time!