When walking into a field, you will find bats, helmets, gloves, gear and a lot of the same things. But are the game styles for softball and baseball the same? In this story you’ll see a few reasons as to why they aren’t.

Ball size and pitching style:  

Softball uses a bigger 12-inch ball tossed underhand from 43 feet for girls. That underhand whip means less reaction time even though the mound’s closer.  

Field dimensions: 

Softball bases sit 60 feet apart instead of 90, and the outfield fence is around 200-220 feet. Everything happens quicker because there’s literally less ground to cover.  

Bat and game length:

Softball bats are usually shorter and lighter, and games run 7 innings instead of 9. Shorter bats help with that fast pitch, and the game wraps before your sunflower seeds run out.  

Leading off and stealing:  

Baseball players can take leads and steal anytime. In fastpitch softball you can’t leave the base until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. That rule kills the big leadoff and makes timing everything.