Softball and baseball may look like similar games, but there are several obvious differences. From the way the ball is pitched, the size of the ball, differences in gloves, and the pace of the game – softball is strikingly different from baseball.
One thing you might not be thinking of in terms of differences is the field of play. There are actually quite a few differences between softball and baseball fields, including centerfield distance, grass and dirt infields, basepaths, pitching rubber location, and the backstop. Let’s break these differences down in more detail.
How Far is Straight-Up Centerfield?
Baseball Centerfield Distance: At the high school, college, minor league, and professional level, baseball is played on a field that often has center field fences that are up to and over 400 feet.
Softball Centerfield Distance: Most high school and college fastpitch fields have centerfield fences that are between 200 and 220 feet from home plate. Slowpitch softball fields usually have centerfield fences that are between 250 and 300 feet from home plate.
Infield and Outfield Differences
Baseball Infields: In baseball, the infields—aside from the basepaths, batter’s boxes, and pitching mound—are usually covered in lush grass.
Softball Infields: On the other hand, softball fields have infields that are all dirt, complete with pitching circles instead of raised mounds.
Softball Outfields and Warning Tracks: While the infield is all dirt, the outfield in softball is mostly grass. Most higher-end softball fields include a warning track, located about 10 feet from the fence. This track helps outfielders feel their way to the fence while keeping their eyes on the ball.
Field Dimensions and Fence Shape
Softball Outfield Shape: Fastpitch softball fields typically have a uniform arc-shaped outfield. For most fastpitch players, a home run must go at least 200 feet over the fence. Foul poles are usually the same distance as centerfield or around 20 feet shorter.
Baseball Outfield Shape: In contrast, MLB baseball fields have highly variable fence distances and unique layouts. For example, at Fenway Park, the right-field foul pole is only 302 feet from home plate, while the left field measures 310 feet, though the Green Monster presents an extra challenge. At Wrigley Field, the right field foul pole is 353 feet and the left is 355 feet, creating a deeper field overall.
Field Consistency: In softball, fields are typically uniform from one venue to the next. The biggest field-to-field variations in softball are the distance from home plate to the backstop, the transition from infield dirt to outfield grass, and how much foul territory exists between the foul lines and the fences.
Basepaths and Pitching Rubber Distances
Base Distances in Baseball: On a full-size baseball field, the bases are each 90 feet apart. The pitching rubber is located 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate.
Base Distances in Softball: In fastpitch softball, the bases are 60 feet apart, and the pitching rubber is only 43 feet from home plate. Even though the playing area is smaller, the game’s pace and difficulty remain high, making fastpitch softball just as competitive.
Measuring and Drawing the Field
Laying Out the Bases in Softball vs Baseball: When drawing out a fastpitch softball field, it’s essential to measure from the correct points. You should measure from the back of home plate to the back corner of first base, then to the center of second base, then to the back of third base, and finally back to the back of home plate. In contrast, on a baseball field, the same principle applies but with longer distances due to the 90-foot basepaths. Starting from the wrong spot on either field can lead to inaccurate baselines.
Distance Between Bases: In softball, the distance from home plate to second base should be exactly 84 feet 10.25 inches, forming a perfect square. In baseball, this diagonal distance is longer—approximately 127 feet 3 3/8 inches—due to the larger 90-foot basepaths. This is one of the biggest layout differences between the two sports.
Pitcher’s Circle vs Mound: The pitching rubber on a fastpitch softball field is 24 inches wide and six inches deep, located 43 feet from home plate and placed level with the ground. A pitcher’s circle with an 8-foot radius (16-foot diameter) surrounds the rubber, and some fields feature a pitching lane extending toward home plate. In baseball, the pitching mound is raised and slopes down, with the rubber placed 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate—creating a very different pitching dynamic.
The Role and Distance of the Backstop
Catcher’s Challenge in Softball: Catchers in softball play a vital role. They manage pitch calls, handle fast throws, and defend against wild pitches—all while adjusting to the field’s backstop placement.
Backstop Distance in Softball vs Baseball: On a softball field, the backstop is ideally placed at least 25 feet behind home plate, though some fields have backstops set over 30 feet away. In baseball, the backstop distance can be significantly farther, especially in professional stadiums, where it ranges from 50 to over 60 feet. The shorter distance in softball means catchers must react quicker to passed balls, while in baseball, the extra space can impact plays at the plate.
Fence Distance and Home Run Strategy
Fastpitch Power and Field Size: Women in fastpitch softball are strong hitters, and a 220-foot fence provides a fair opportunity for home runs. However, when games are played on fields with fences as far back as 350 feet—often baseball fields repurposed for softball—what would be a home run in a regulation softball field becomes a routine fly ball.
Temporary Fences in Softball vs Permanent Fences in Baseball: To keep games balanced, softball tournaments often use temporary fences to set the appropriate distance. Baseball fields, on the other hand, use permanent fences that vary dramatically by stadium. Unlike softball, where fields are mostly standardized, baseball parks have unique shapes and dimensions that affect gameplay.
Batter’s Box Layout
Size and Placement in Softball vs Baseball: Both softball and baseball have two batter’s boxes—one for left-handed and one for right-handed hitters. In softball, the boxes are three feet wide and seven feet long, with a 2 feet 5 inch space between them. In baseball, the batter’s box dimensions are the same at most levels, but the chalk lines may wear off quicker due to field surface differences.
Alignment with Home Plate: When looking from the pitcher’s mound, home plate can be split in half front to back. In softball, three feet of the batter’s box is in front of the plate’s centerline, and four feet is behind it. This is generally the same in baseball, but softball players often step forward more aggressively due to the shorter pitching distance and lack of a raised mound.