...difference and similarities in softball and baseball By: Jennifer Wallace Baseball and softball are similar in many ways but at the same time very different. To begin with, they are both played on a ball field, known to most baseball or softball players as the ballpark. The ball field for both consist of four bases that form a diamond. Both are played by boys and girls of all ages. While softball and baseball are similar they differ in the size of the ball, the way the ball is pitched, and the length between the bases. A standard baseball for all ages of players is about 9 inches (22.86 cm) in circumference and weighs about 5 ounces (141.75 g). Softballs can vary depending on the age group and the type of softball being played, with standard fast pitch softballs being about 12 inches (30.48 g) in circumference and weighing about 6.5 ounces (184.27 g). A standard slow pitch softball is about 11 inches (27.94 cm) in circumference and weighs about 6 ounces (170.1 g). In addition, many softball organizations use a bright yellow ball, but baseball organizations almost always use white balls. Some people might say that the reason a softball is bigger is because girls need the ball to be bigger so they can hit it, but that is not the case, there are a couple reasons why a softball is bigger than a baseball: First, is because the softball field is smaller and does not have grass in the infield to slow the ball down. If softball players used baseballs, then...
Words: 840 - Pages: 4
...Despite its name, softball is far from a soft sport. Some even argue that it’s harder than baseball. However, in both softball and baseball, batting is one of the hardest parts of the game. In order to be successful at the plate, one must understand what they are facing. In fast-pitch softball, the ball is thrown from 43 feet away averaging about 70 miles per hour. This gives the batter .350 milliseconds to react to the ball; that’s less than half of a second. Under these conditions, it becomes very apparent how important it is to understand the correct way to bat in order to increase one’s chances of actually hitting the ball. So, today I’m going to show you the most effective way to hit the ball. With the ball coming at you so fast, it is important you have the right equipment to protect yourself from the ball, so the first thing you will need is a helmet. Some players wear elbow guards; although this is not necessary, some believe it is effective in the way you swing. The most important equipment you’ll need while batting is a bat and batting gloves. The gloves protect your...
Words: 920 - Pages: 4
...How to Learn the Game of Softball Softball is a team sport that closely resembles baseball. A softball game is played between two teams. Each team can have multiple players on their roster; however, only nine players can be on the field at a time. The object of the game is to score the most runs. A run is scored when a player on the offensive (batting) team advances around all four bases, touching each in turn, without being "put out" by a player on the defensive (fielding) team. The game is played on a field that consists of a dirt infield and a grass outfield. The infield is square and is sometimes referred to as the diamond. There are four bases on the field; the starting and ending base is called “home plate.” The other three bases, going counter-clockwise, are first, second, and third base. A game is usually made up of seven innings, although, fewer or more innings may be played depending on the score. The game of softball is an easy one to gain knowledge of, all the player has to do is learn the rules, the mental game, and the positions. The first thing the player should do to learn the game of softball is learn the rules. The rules of softball are fairly simple. The game has a lot of little rules but the big rules are what are important. The player should go to the nearest Wal-Mart or Academy to find a rule book about softball. That is the best way to learn the rules. For example the infield fly rule is when there are less than two outs, or how the player cannot leave...
Words: 951 - Pages: 4
...Softball players are a part of the softball community. Softball is a team sport, so the players must work together to accomplish their common goal: winning. When the players work together, they are more likely to win and to have fun. Wining is only possible when the members of the community work in similar ways. The softball players have similar behaviors, practices, and habits. Most softball players that are a part of the community practice with their team two to five times a week. During these practices the players will behave in similar ways because they will be fielding ground balls, catching pop flies, throwing, and hitting in the same way. Most players have the habits of cheering in the dugout. This is a big part of the softball culture...
Words: 367 - Pages: 2
... and members join their group by a determined method (Swales). A discourse community and a speech community are often times confused because of their similarities. A speech community is defined as a group that shares a knowledge of rules for the conduct and interpretation of speech (Swales). A speech community does not share similar goals and there are no rules or order to joining the group. There are six characteristics which determine if a group is classified as a discourse community. Softball is one type of discourse community. By Swales’ standards, it qualifies as a discourse community by meeting all six of the characteristics in his study. Softball is a discourse community, first and foremost, by the group selecting the team. The team shares common interests and goals. This community has a language that often times is understood only by this group. In a discourse community people are separated into occupational or specialized interests groups (Swales). The same thing is true in softball. There are key positons which cannot be filled by every player on the team. While a pitcher may be able to play second base or center-field, a member of the team who plays shortstop or catcher, cannot usually pitch. This group spends countless hours together, practicing and training, working towards a similar goal. The goal is to win all of their games, and that is achieved by scoring more runs than their opponents and having a pitching and defense game no one can beat. Working together...
Words: 1020 - Pages: 5
...& 2012-2013 INTRODUCTION The primary purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the rules and expectations of the softball program. You are responsible to read and understand the contents in this handbook. In the event that there is something in the handbook you do not understand, please bring it to my attention as soon as possible. Our policies have been placed in this booklet so you will understand from the outset what is expected our players. This handbook was not made to disrupt the lines of communication between the coaches and the parents, but to encourage it. Participating in Softball is a privilege and not a right; we hold higher standards for girls who participate in softball than we would for those students who choose not to participate. The main goal for the Softball Program is to establish discipline for the girls. Without discipline we cannot achieve our goals that we have set for the team. Discipline is defined as “Training which corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character, behavior which results from such training; obedience to authority or rules; punishment meant to correct poor behavior”. The second goal of the Softball Program is to teach the girls how to work as a team to accomplish the teams and each individual player’s goals for the season. Remember, “ It ’s not the name that is on the back of the uniform i t ’s the nam e on t he front that counts ” . EXPECTATIONS 1. Players are expected to represent the community, school...
Words: 1955 - Pages: 8
...recreation director of the city, announces that "Little League" baseball is coming in the near future. Stay tuned. * June 21, 1951 - That was quick! Harry announces that June 26 will be the first tryouts at Todd Field. * June 26, 1951 - Willoughby Baseball is born! 27 turn out for the first tryouts of what will be known as the "Small Fry League," with hopes of becoming part of sanctioned "Little League®" next year. * July 10, 1951 - First games played in what we now know as the Willoughby Baseball League! Hot-Shots defeat the Lemons, 4-2. Games were played during the day. * July 11, 1951 - Public opening of the Small Fry League to take place at Daniels 1. It's slated to be the first game of a double header with an adult softball game as the night cap. Sadly, the league suffers its first rainout. Rescheduled for July 18, the following Wednesday. * July 18, 1951 - Hot-Shots defeat Avilas, 11-6, in public inaugural of Small Fry League. Bruce Roniger hits what is most likely the first home run in league history, a three run shot in the fifth to cap a come from behind win. * August 9, 1951 - (They're playing in August?) First season comes to end as Hot-Shots win title, 4-3, on a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the sixth! Ouch! Dan Derrick is winning pitcher. * In 1952, the Small Fry League becomes, "Willoughby Kiwanis Little League," sanctioned from the national headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. * To secure sanctioning, we needed...
Words: 3295 - Pages: 14
...had played baseball in high school, fast pitch softball at the University of Michigan and had even spent a year on the Air Force all star softball team. But after flying missions over Vietnam and starting a family, he had not found time for sports. When he learned about senior games having softball, he found some guys his age to make up a team. It was fun and he wanted to play more. But there were no other senior teams in San Antonio. Bill Altman changed all that. He and his team found more players, and the San Antonio Senior Softball League was founded in 1987. He is still its chairman and primary advocate. The league obtained old fields from the city and fixed them up with money they raised. Today there are hundreds of seniors from every walk of life that are sharing the love of baseball and staying fit for life. The league has a plan to expand to a modern complex that will meet their growing needs and can host regional tournaments to bring in tourism. In addition to managing, playing and running the league, Altman has participated in state and national senior games in softball, tennis and track and field events. He’s also been inducted into the Texas Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Along the way he has maintained his Personal Best and helped thousands of others do the same. How did the San Antonio Senior Softball League begin? The whole effort started because of the state senior games in San Antonio in 1987. I had not played softball since I went into the Air Force and thought it...
Words: 1510 - Pages: 7
...Softball is a sport that has been around for many years, and it first started with Slowpitch softball. Fastpitch softball did not come into existence until in recent years, and it has helped the spread of the sport of softball throughout the world. Even though the sport of softball is growing, there are many people who do not know about the sport. While both Fastpitch Softball and Slowpitch softball contain similar characteristics, Slowpitch does differ in a few aspects. The way the ball comes from the pitcher, and base stealing are differences in the two, however, a similarity between the two is that both Slowpitch and Fastpitch can go to the professional level. There are clear differences in Slowpitch Softball and Fastpitch Softball, and simply the way the ball is pitched is one that stands out to most people. For instance, Fastpitch Softball pitchers throw in a windmill motion, but Slowpitch Softball pitchers toss the ball in a simple underhand motion as well as 6-12 feet of arch. The windmill motion for Fastpitch allows the pitcher to gain momentum, and that allows the ball to gain speeds of usually 50-60 miles per hour. With Slowpitch not having a...
Words: 637 - Pages: 3
...Jennie Finch, mom of two, but better known as one of the best softball players that has ever played. She has won multiple titles and has lots of wins under her belt. Within that I’ll be putting across information from her childhood into her life as an adult today. Starting off with her adolescence, accomplishments, and finalizing with why she is so important. Finch was born September 3, 1980 in La Mirada California. La Mirada offered a year round league, which she joined just after her fifth birthday party. She had a naturally strong arm and could heave it out of sight. So with that she began taking fast-pitch lessons, but it didn’t stop with that her father transformed a trampoline into a pitch-back to when he worked late. She advanced in this sport outstandingly fast exceeding to playing with a ten and under traveling all star team. Every weekend was spent at a different diamond somewhere in suburban Southern California. The more competitive the environment, the more Jennie thrived. At age 12, she led the California Cruisers to the 12-and-under American Softball Association national title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The titles that she would proceed to earn take me to my next topic,...
Words: 454 - Pages: 2
...soft-ball fields as well as 2 multi-purposed fields. These will provide different areas to focus on such as budget of the whole construction and facility usage, where the location in University of Akron we will put the facility in, what the facility will offer, who will be managing the program of the facility, and who will be the architecture to construct the facility. We will also demonstrate the pros and cons of each of the focus areas. The budget for the softball fields as well as the multi-purpose fields are as follows. For general construction costs, $500,000 will be allocated to finish the projects construction. Some specific costs will be the purchasing of the soccer and lacrosse goals that can be added and removed from the field which will be $2,000. Another specific cost will be the fencing around the softball fields which will be around $1,000. Costs for keeping up the inventory of the concession stands will be around $12,000 per year. The costs to keep the inventory stocked for the sports-wear store inside the softball fields will be around $50,000, selling things such as T-Shirts and Hoodies, along with many other types of sports apparel. The cost of utilities will be around $180,000 per year. Some specific utility costs are electric which will be about 150,000 per year and water, which will be around $25,000 per year. General maintenance costs will be about $100,000. Some things that will need up-keep are the replacing of the light bulbs for the field lights which will...
Words: 1758 - Pages: 8
...It’s that time of year again, softball season is finally here and a new pair of cleats is like a new pair of Gucci heels for a girl. There are different colors, styles, but most importantly, there are different types of cleats to choose from. A softball player is required to wear the appropriate cleats depending of the surface being played or trained on. Although there are different types of cleats to choose from depending on what field you play with and the different levels you begin to play with will recommend different cleats. There are 3 different types to choose from and many brands to buy from. Cleats are designed to help the player have a better grasp of the field, keeping them from slipping easily something someone can do with regular shoes. Molded Cleats are versatile and durable, made mainly for youth player lasting them through the season. These cleats have rubber studs and are made of plastic providing protection like any other cleat when sliding or diving. These cleats are mainly used by youth players due to their inexperience. Youth players are still learning the basic of the game such as sliding, so with molded cleats they have a slight chance of hurting someone or themselves. These cleats can be worn on any type...
Words: 582 - Pages: 3
...In today’s society women are not allowed to play baseball with men due to patriarchal myths and misconceptions that have been around since the emergence of baseball in America. All women should be able to play baseball with men and there is no legitimate reason why they shouldn't. Women are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of playing baseball just as men are. With that being said their biological sex or gender should not and does not affect their ability to play baseball in the company of men. In addition their sex should not deem their athletic ability as inferior in comparison to men. Since the adoption of baseball as an American pastime, the sport of baseball has been cultivated and altered to amputate women exuding the masculinity of baseball. The emergence of baseball as popular and profitable sport has failed to acknowledge and highlight the athletic abilities women. Instead its conception has affirmed women to be fragile and it has also depicted women to not have the skills or talents to play and compete alongside men. There are numerous individuals who are opposed to fusion of women and men on the baseball field. These individuals use demeaning stereotypes and beliefs to support their claims. Often these claims are false and are not supported by factual or scientific data. For example these claims say that women are weaker than men, women are not physically capable of playing sports, or a woman's place is in the home rather than on the playing field. These...
Words: 2816 - Pages: 12
...Tee ball is where it all starts. Where the passion for playing softball is first expressed. This is the team that you could possibly end up playing with for awhile. This is the part of playing where boys and girls can be mixed up on teams. Some people end up playing with this team up until high school. Equipment for the stages of softball will change frequently. During tee ball, you will need to start off having a glove. A glove so you can start fielding, throwing and catching a ball. You will also need a bat. You don’t typically need to spend much on a bat; this is just going to be a bat that you can use for the beginning. And lastly, you will need a helmet. This is just for hitting practice and during your games. These are just the basic pieces of equipment that you will start off needing....
Words: 594 - Pages: 3
...My Favorite memory My Favorite memory was when I first played in a softball game, it was very exciting, nerve reckon and challenging. Stepping into the field was the best feeling in the world. The air was so fresh. The field was very smooth and the dirt was crispy brown. I remembered watching girl’s plays softball at a young age and I always wanted to see how it felt to play. I became fascinated and was amazed how older girls played amongst themselves and I actually learned just by watching. Playing softball for the first time was exciting. The weather was very nice, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the birds chirped and the wing blew so smoothly. I could also hear the crowed yelling and shouting excited to see the game. My parents were also there supporting me at my first game. Lincoln high school, a school that wasn’t very good in softball but that was my team. We were facing a school from Parsippany. It was a home game so we played in our field in Lincoln Park. It was diamond shape. The dirt was very smooth as I entered the field with my team. The grass on the outfield was wet and green, it was very shiny. Being my first time I was very happy and excited to play. I couldn’t imagine how much fun I was going to have. Softball is very nerve reckon sport. Trying to catch every ball that comes your way or hitting the ball to make a run. Having two strikes on you, 2 outs, last inning and the game is tied makes you really nervous. In my memory, after the team got ready...
Words: 380 - Pages: 2
