Baseball is a very competitive sport as is mainly enjoyed by men; however we also have a sport called softball which is played mainly by females. The sport of baseball and softball are almost identical in a lot of ways. This essay will compare and contrast baseball vs. softball by discussing the similarities and the differences of the two. If you are not a baseball or softball fan, then this essay will give you a better understanding of both sports which are very exciting to watch.
Running Head: Compare and Contrast of Baseball vs. Softball
Baseball vs. Softball Baseball is a commonly played competitive sport, mostly by men or boys. According to Sports Nation (2005), “ baseball was created back in 1845by Alexander Cartwright who belonged to a New York baseball club”. The game of softball is mainly played by women and girls. The game of softball was originated in 1887 by George Hancock. Most people may ask the question, what is the difference between baseball and softball? In order to answer that question we must compare and contrast the two to know the difference and the similarities in baseball vs. softball.
Both sports are fun to play as well as getting a good exercise work out in order to stay in shape. In playing the game of softball there is a special type of pitching which is called the “ windmill”, this is an under arm pitch unlike baseball which uses an over-hand pitching technique. The ball that is used in baseball is much smaller than the ball used in softball. The baseball is 9 inches in circumference and the softball is 12 inches in circumference. The bat in baseball is 42 inches and made of wood. The bats used in softball are 34 inches and made of aluminum or composite materials.
If you have never noticed the difference in the fields used in baseball and softball, there are differences in the two. According to ESPN (2012), “ the softball field is smaller, the base path for a softball field is 60 feet apart, and a baseball field base pitch path is 90 feet. The pitcher’s mound is 2x the distance away from home base compared to softball. In baseball the maximum height for a pitcher’s mound is 10 inches and a radius of 9 feet. In softball the pitcher’s mound is not raised with a radius of 8 feet”.
Running Head: Compare and Contrast Baseball vs. Softball 2
When learning the rules of baseball and softball they are a little different for example, in softball a base runner can only lead off the base after the ball has left the pitcher’s hand, and they also require face mask on the helmets compared to baseball it is not required to wear a face mask, but is recommended. Baseball and softball both have 9 players on the field at once and both have an umpire. Both sports also use the technique of 3 strikes you out, and after 4 balls the runner can proceed on toward first base. Baseball and softball both use the tag out technique which is when a runner is touched with the ball or glove with the ball inside. Conclusion
Baseball and softball are both wonderful sports too play, even though they are different in some ways and similar in other ways. The best suggestion in comparing both sports is to attend a game learn the different rules and the similarities between the two. Attending both games can be fun and a new experience for anyone that has not had the chance to attend and understand the game of softball or baseball. Even though the pitch is different in softball, and the ball is different it’s just as exciting as baseball which has a harder ball, and a faster pitch. Having a delicious hotdog or warm peanuts is an all time favorite at baseball game and the New York Yankees have been America’s all time favorite team no matter where you live, so go out and watch a game baseball or softball, both are exciting.