DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
Although this two sports are different from each other, they have lots of similarities which is very appealing,I was always used to the football(soccer)but the first time i watched softball and baseball live, I fell in love with both sports thereby making me curious about what Differences and Similarities there is in both sports.If you think about ball games, baseball and softball are among the most popular ball games that you may have in mind.
A comparison between softball and baseball can simply be made as softball is directly descended from baseball and therefore, it contain’s some important similarities.Despite the game’s name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact, it is harder than a baseball.
Baseball is the game played by two teams using a ball and bat. Each team consists of 9 players. To score, the thrown ball will be hit using a bat. Your teammate needs to touch sequence of 4 bases positioned at the sides of a diamond or 90 foot square. Softball however, is also a team sport, which is considered as a direct descendant of baseball. However, softballs are larger than baseballs and pitches thrown underhand instead of overhand.
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Playing Field differs in size in some area. Below are some of its differences on the following positions:
Infield – in Softball is the area of a field in equal territory that includes a section that is usually covered by infielder. In baseball infield is located in the dirt surface area. The infield is the square known as the diamond, that has 4 white bases and located on each corner.
Outfield – in Softball it is the area of a field away from the infield or diamond. The fielder and beyond the batsman occupy this space. The outfield in baseball is usually covered with grass. Each base is 5-sided rubber slab known as home plate. In the normal baseball field each base are 90 feet (27.4 meters) apart.
Foul Lines – in softball the 1st and 3rd base line, which distinguishes equal territory from four territories called foul lines. In baseball, the foul pole is intended to aid umpire judge in deciding whether the fly ball which hit the fence border above is fair or foul. The foul lines are vertical extension poles.
Fair Territory – in softball, it is the area within the playing fields and include the 1st and 3rd base foul lines starting in home plate beyond playing field fences which are perpendicularly upward. In baseball, the fair territory includes the ground between the two long white lines. It is either confusing or amusing that the lines are officially called the foul lines and poles called foul poles.
Batter Box – in softball, it is the box marked with chalk close to home plate, which the batter should stay within while battling. In baseball, it is drawn in white chalk, it is the area surrounding the home plate where the batter stands. It should be 6 foot rectangles and must be six inches away from the home plate.
Bases – in softball, home plates are bases in every corner within the diamond . Each base are canvas of fifteen inches square of the same material, and should not be more than five inches thick. Each base is tagged counter-clockwise as 1st, 2nd and 3rd base.
Foul Poles – in softball and baseball, Located at the end of every foul line to differentiate foul territory from fair territory.
Pitcher’s Mound – at the center of the diamond it is the area from where the pitcher throws the ball.
Softball player rounding second base after a hit. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
