Have you heard the latest episode of Anytime Now? Tune in to hear the incredible story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. During World War II, this group of female athletes stepped up to the plate, drawing huge crowds and lifting spirits. While it began with softball rules, the league gradually transitioned to traditional baseball over the years.
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League circa 1945. Image credit: Wikimedia.
Now, you might be wondering: softball? Baseball? What’s the difference? Turns out, there are quite a few. Let’s dive in!
The Ball
A softball is larger than a baseball and not as dense. This is because the very first softball games were played indoors, and a larger ball helped slow the game down.
The Bat
Softball bats are slightly longer and have a larger barrel than baseball bats. Turns out this is the perfect design to hit those larger softball balls.
Thelma "Tiby" Eisen, centerfielder with the Grand Rapids Chicks (AAGPBL), takes a swing, image from the American Jewish Historical Society, circa 1945. Image credit: Wikimedia.
Pitching
In softball, a pitcher throws the ball underhand, while in baseball it’s thrown overhand.
Field Size
A baseball field is larger than a softball field, and players end up running a bit farther between bases.
Left: All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player Marg Callaghan sliding into home plate as umpire Norris Ward watches. Right: All American Girls Professional Baseball League member Dottie Schroeder. Image credit: Wikimedia.
Time
Softball games are typically shorter than baseball games. Standard regulation softball games last 7 innings, compared to 9 innings in baseball.
Variety
Baseball has a standard format, but softball comes in different forms. There is fast-pitch softball, slow-pitch softball, and modified softball. You'll find different pitching styles and rules in each of these.
Have you ever played softball or baseball? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email sharing your favorite memories. And don’t forget to listen to our latest episode of Anytime Now to learn all about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.