As Americans, we are known for our love of sports. Whether it be watching The Olympics on television to viewing a classic baseball game. We also love attending these games in-person, however there is a vast variety of sports we enjoy as a society. But in terms of this, Americans love baseball and softball equally. Yet, there are vast similarities and differences between these two sports. Our world may view baseball more frequently on television than softball, but the two sports still share being viewed by millions of people. The smell of hotdogs fills the stadiums of both sports as well.

In baseball we always hear “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, while in softball there is no theme song for it. Baseball also has a white ball that is 9-9.25 inches in circumference. Then softball has a yellow ball that is 11.88-12.13 inches in circumference. Softballs are notably larger than baseballs, too. To add, baseball’s bat is up to 42 inches long and usually made from wood. While softball’s bat is shorter at 34 inches long. And it is made of totally different materials than those used in baseball, often being made of metal. It additionally has a thinner handle and wider barrel. In the field, baseball’s bases are around 90 feet apart on an inclined mound. Softball has bases 60 feet apart and they are on a leveled field. In baseball, there are a total of nine innings in their games while in softball they have seven innings. As for the number of players, softball usually has ten players per team and baseball usually has nine. In terms of the pace of the game, baseball is slower and more relaxed, whereas softball tends to be faster and louder, with more cheering. Before the players lead off in baseball, the runners can take a few steps towards the next base before the pitch. While softball, runners must stay on their bases until the pitch.

Softball and baseball are similar in offering a variety of ballpark food while attending the games. They also have three bases, along with home runs. These two different sports also share throwing balls back and forth throughout the game, as well. Then, these two sports additionally share pitching and fielding. These sports are definitely cousins to each other. Baseball and softball share catching and batting, as well. Not to mention, baseball and softball both have in common base running. In doing so, these players must run quickly to each base. Which allows them to learn from their previous players running style and speed. This allows each player to communicate strongly with one another about the next steps of each game. In both these sports, the players share equal enthusiasm towards the sport. In many places, baseball and softball players might play on the same field. This allows them to have similar practice schedules, as well. But this is not always the case, because traditionally a baseball field’s bases are 90 feet apart, as opposed to softball’s 60 foot distances.

As a society, we love both baseball and softball equally. There may be a few minor differences, but they are a very similar game. Nonetheless, baseball is for men while softball is for women. Yet, they share a similar setup to their game structures, such as: “one, two, three strikes you’re out!” While having a difference in size of balls used in each sport, as well. Not to mention, many traditional ball games by both these sports have bases being 90 feet apart while in softball the bases are 60 feet apart. Both sports share having fans who adore both watching and playing them, as well. But we must remember, we are all in this together.