Bats, fields, and pitches are some of the biggest differences between softball and baseball. Even though softball is as physically challenging as baseball and requires an equal amount of strategy and skill, softball is thought of as a woman’s only game. This association happened during World War II, as women branched out, taking over the national pastime, until the troops came home.

The differences in bats can be technical but it’s worth noting. Fast-pitch softball bats are also called the bottle bat because they resemble a bottle. The barrels of softball bats have a maximum diameter of 2 ¼” (5.7 centimeters) whereas a baseball bat has a maximum diameter of 2 ¾” (7 centimeters).

There are also differences in the drop of the bat. To find the drop of the bat subtract the length of the bat from the weight. So if a bat was 30” (76.2 centimeters)long and weighed 27 ounces (765.44 grams) it would have a drop of -3. Baseball generally has a drop of -3. Fast-pitch softball bats are lighter for their length and so have a greater drop weight. Slow-pitch bats are different altogether and will have a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 which all softball bats must have.

The field is smaller in softball than baseball. Baseball has 90 foot (27.43 meters) base paths, softball has 60 foot (18.29 meters). In baseball the pitcher’s mound is twice the distance from home than in softball and it’s raised. The pitcher’s mound is not raised in softball. Around the field the fences are shorter as well, since it’s a lot harder to get the larger, heavier softball out of the field.

Pitches separate baseball and softball even further. The underhand pitch is unique to softball and is not used in baseball at all. Because the distance from the pitcher’s mound to the hitter is so much shorter, the ball is slightly heavier, and mound is even with the rest of the field. The pitcher can use an underhand pitch called a riser. The riser pitch curves upwards when it hits the plate. Some softball players won’t even throw a fastball because it’s considered a waste of their time. In contrast some baseball pitchers get their fame from their fast pitch.

Softball has smaller movements and different equipment than baseball, while sharing many of the same rules and structure, but it is a different sport altogether. Its association as a women’s sport, equal to baseball, is to not fully understand the game. The game is altered by its smaller field, larger ball, and unique pitching styles.

Softball lovers everywhere couldn't help but be disappointed to learn that 2008 was the last year in which the Olympics will be hosting softball games. It was introduced in 1996 as a women's only sport. The USA team has taken the gold every year, except 2008, when Japan took the gold.