The Differences between a Softball and a Baseball Bat

 The relationship between softball and baseball can be best described by the saying "so near, and yet so far." From the point of view of someone not familiar with either sport, almost everything about them may look the same. From the game-play rules and playing field to the positions played and equipment used. But the truth is they have so many significant differences that they really are two totally different sports.

Baseball came into being before softball, although the latter did originate from the former. Softball was a version of baseball played indoors, organized so that baseball fans still had regular doses of their favorite game during winter. Interestingly, folks stuck with softball even during the baseball season. With a few changes in rules, particularly in the size of a few equipment, field size and the style of pitching, softball was officially recognized as a separate sport.

Baseball is undoubtedly more popular today, with several countries having their own professional leagues. Professional baseball players today command very high salaries. Softball, is also popular internationally at the professional level. Both sports were unfortunately removed from the Olympic Games beginning in the 2012 staging in London. Either one's return to the quadrennial sporting fest still hangs in the balance, however, as they will still not be played in the 2016 meet in Rio de Janeiro, and their inclusion in the 2020 staging has not been voted upon yet.

Out of all the equipment used in softball and baseball, it is the bat that perhaps needs the most attention  as far as rules are concerned. Tournament sanctioning organizations of both sports are very strict with the application of bat rules and regulations, so much so that softball and baseball bats are rendered not interchangeable in official games.

 Softball bats

There are two varieties of softball: slowpitch and fastpitch. Slowpitch softball is popular among men and played only at the amateur level. Fastpitch softball is popular among women of various age groups and is enjoyed both at the amateur and professional levels.

Although softball bats must meet certain requirements before they can be approved for release in the market, very few restrictions exist in so far as tournament levels are concerned. Length and weight ranges are the same for each slowpitch and fastpitch leagues, while the standard diameter at the largest part is the same at 2¼ inches for all leagues. There are no rules against using one type of bat in the other's games, although most players do not do it. The lighter fastpitch bats will generally crack and dent much faster in slowpitch games, while the heavier slowpitch bats can definitely throw off a hitter's timing in fastpitch games.

Slowpitch bat length ranges from 33 to 34 inches, and the weight is from 26 to 30 ounces. Slowpitch bats are typically heavier and have a larger sweet spot than their fastpitch counterparts. They come in balanced, end-loaded and max-loaded (the barrel is heavier here than in end-loaded) varieties. The mechanics of the slowpitch game allows players to generate more power in their hits.

Fastpitch bat length ranges from 32 to 34 inches, and the weight is from 23 to 28 inches. Fastpitch bats have a more gradual taper. Balanced bats are the more favored variety, although end-loaded models do exist. Fastpitch hitters require lighter bats due to the speed and manner at which balls are pitched.

Composite, aluminum and wood bats are allowed for use in most softball tournaments, as long as they have the league sanctioning body's stamps (e.g. ASA, NSA and USSSA).

 Easton Baseball bats

Baseball bat rules and regulations are more rigorous, partly due to the numerous cheating scandals that involved the use of bats through the decades. Wood is the only material allowed in MLB. Non-wood bats have been fixed with very specific rules for various reasons. Aluminum bats for instance were deemed too dangerous to pitchers and fielders by NCAA Division I rules until the barrel shape had to be changed. Composite bats, on the other hand, got "hotter" for each play that it was also deemed too dangerous.

Each non-wood bat needs to be BBCOR-certified (Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution) before being released into the market. BBCOR measures the "trampoline effect" generated by non-wood bats and limits it to a minimal level. Certifiers also make sure that the bats stay within those minimal levels throughout their lives.

Baseball bats are generally categorized as youth, senior league or youth big barrel and adult. Youth bats have a diameter of only 2 ¼ inches at its largest part, and a drop weight ranging from  -8 to -13.5. Senior-league bats have a barrel diameter of up to 2 5/8 or 2 ¾ inches, and a drop weight ranging from -5 to –10. Adult bats have a 2 5/8-inch barrel and a drop weight of only -3.

All baseball bats may be balanced or end-loaded.