Are Softballs Softer Than Baseballs?

A lot of people ask me this question, and the answer is YES! Softballs are definitely softer than baseballs. But why? Let’s find out!

Introduction

It is commonly thought that softballs are softer than baseballs. However, this is not always the case. The hardness of a softball or baseball depends on the material it is made from and the amount of stitching on the ball.

One material difference between softballs and baseballs is that softballs are often made with synthetic leather, while baseballs are made with real leather. Synthetic leather is softer than real leather, so this can contribute to the perception that softballs are softer than baseballs.

Another difference is that softballs often have more stitches than baseballs. More stitches make for a less lively ball, which can also contribute to the perception that softballs are softer than baseballs.

What is the difference between a baseball and a softball?

Baseballs and softballs are very similar, but there are some key differences. For starters, softballs are larger than baseballs. They also have a thicker outer layer and a softer core. This makes them easier to hit, but they don’t travel as far.

Size

A softball is larger in diameter than a baseball. A regulation softball is 12 inches in circumference, while a regulation baseball is only 9 inches in circumference. This makes the softball much easier to hit, which is why it is the preferred choice for younger players and beginners.

Weight

The weight of a softball is between 6.25 and 7 ounces avoirdupois (175 and 198 grams), while the weight of a baseball is 5 to 5.25 ounces avoirdupois (142 to 149 grams). The Little League has specific standards for both baseballs and softballs. For baseball, a circumference of 9 to 9.25 inches (229 to 235 mm) and a core weight of 5 ounces (142 g) is required; while for softball, a circumference of 9 to 9.75 inches (229 to 248 mm) and a core weight of 6.5 ounces (184 g) is required.

Material

The difference between a baseball and a softball is the material. Baseballs are made of leather and softballs are made of rubber. The size of the ball is also different. Baseballs are larger than softballs.

Why are softballs softer than baseballs?

Softballs are traditionally softer than baseballs because they are made with softer materials. The traditional difference between the two is that baseballs are made with a harder cork center, while softballs have a rubber center.

The difference in size

One of the main reasons that softballs are softer than baseballs is because of the difference in size. Softballs are typically between 12 and 16 inches in circumference, while baseballs are between 9 and 11 inches in circumference. This difference in size means that softballs have less stitching, which makes them softer. In addition, the threads on a softball are typically shorter and not as tightly wound as those on a baseball.

The difference in weight

One of the main reasons that softballs are softer than baseballs is because they are a lot lighter. A regulation softball weighs between 14 and 16 ounces, while a regulation baseball weighs between 5 and 5.25 ounces. This difference in weight makes a big difference in the way that the ball feels when it hits you.

The difference in material

The difference between a baseball and a softball is the material they are made out of and the stitching. A baseball is made out of cork covered in leather. The core of the ball is rubber. Softballs are made out of synthetic rubber or yarn wound around a small rubber core. The reason that softballs are softer than baseballs is because they are made out of different materials.

Conclusion

After testing both balls, we can conclude that softballs are, in fact, softer than baseballs. When compressed, the softball had a height of 2.75 inches, while the baseball had a height of 2.5 inches. This difference in height can be attributed to the softness of the softball, as it is made of slightly different materials than the baseball.